AMSAT reports that preparations for its Space Symposium in Baltimore October 10-12 are moving into high gear. The deadline to submit AMSAT Symposium papers has been extended until September 30. Papers and presentations on any subject of interest to the amateur satellite community are welcome. This year’s Space Symposium will, in part, celebrate AMSAT’s 45th anniversary. Registration remains open.

The AMSAT Space Symposium’s keynote speaker with be Jan King, W3GEY, founding member of AMSAT and former member of the Board of Directors and vice president of engineering. He’ll deliver his talk, “Never, Never, Never Give Up!” during the Symposium banquet on Saturday, October 11.

One of the original Tuskegee Airman, Col Charles E. McGee, will attend on Friday, October 10, and will talk about his experiences.

An evening reception Friday, October 10, will include a “space auction. “All proceeds will support AMSAT’s two major initiatives — the development and launch of the Fox satellite series and the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program. AMSAT is seeking donations of “specialty items” with a minimum value of $100. Contact Frank Bauer, KA3HDO.

The ARISS Operations Team will meet Sunday, October 12, 9-noon. A number of ARISS team leaders and mentors will be on hand to discuss the program. The team also plans to talk about improvements, changes, and strategies to enhance ARISS operations.

Informal tours will be available for Symposium participants on Sunday, October 12, of Baltimore Inner Harbor, including the Aquarium, the B&O Railroad Museum, the Edgar Allen Poe House, or the National Electronics Museum, which is opening exclusively for AMSAT on Sunday, 1-3 PM. Contact Dan Schultz, N8FGV.

A tour of the Udvar Hazy National Air and Space Museum is planned for Monday, October 13. — Thanks to the AMSAT Symposium Committee via AMSAT News Service