My Indonesian satellite friend YC8RPK (2026/05/03)
In Indonesia, LAPAN-A2 (IO-86) is operated by the Indonesian Space Agency
(National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN)).
There are many amateur radio stations that are active in satellite communications.
YC8RPK Aling is one such person.
His operating style involves using a handheld Yagi antenna and a handheld transceiver.
Since communicating with him via the ISS FM repeater, he has taught me a lot about satellites through messenger.
YC8RPK Aling reportedly succeeded in making contact, using the antenna
shown in the photo,
with Takuya Onishi of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency while he was aboard
the International Space Station last year.
A fantastic shot
The sunset is beautiful
The QTH of YC8RPK is located in the same time zone as the Philippines, which is the easternmost point of Indonesia.
I received the ISS FM repeater using a Quansheng UV-K5 handheld radio.
An Indonesian station was making contact.
The location in the photo where he's holding the antenna is apparently in front of a Japanese Navy monument.