A good old frequency

The current Russian Foton-M2 microgravity research spacecraft carrying, i.a., ESA experiments transmits on the traditional frequency used by these satellites, i.e. 239.5 MHz. The signal is a wide-band, high modulation index FM signal with strong signal peaks about 130 kHz on either side of the center frequency. It sounds like sharp buzz. Maik Hermenau in Germany was the first to spot the signals from Foton-M2.

So, this telemetry system was not changed despite the many other design modifications that took place between the basic Foton and the Foton-M. You may remember that the Foton-M1 never made it to orbit. The rocket exploded 20 seconds after launch from Plesetsk on October 15, 2002.

Probably, the signals can be heard daily by listeners in central and northern Europe until the flight ends on June 16. Do not expect signals on every revolution. Orbital elements can be found at Space-Track.org by using the spacecraft's object number 28686.

ESA experiments on board are being controlled from Esrange in northern Sweden using a telemetry and telecommand system built by the Swedish Space Corporation. It operates on the traditional downlink frequency used by all national Swedish science satellites - 2208.1629 MHz.