DX expeditions to exotic islands are always an attraction for radio amateurs around the world. In the first decade of October 2025, the list of attractive activities is also added VK9QO, a team trip to Christmas Island (IOTA OC-002, locator OH29un).
The expedition will take place in days 3.–7. October 2025 and its specificity is that it combines classic KV operation with satellite operation. The project has an official name "VK9X Satellite and HF DX Expedition 2025" and is supported JAMSAT (Japan Amateur Satellite Association).
You will read in the article
Members of the VK9QO team
The team consists of four experienced operators with international representation:
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Mikio, JA3GEP – head of the expedition, member QO-100 DX Club #573
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Yutaka, JA1COU
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Feng, BA7LVG/W3PX
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Izumi, BH6BEZ/KO6DYI – Member of QO-100 DX Club #1618
KV operation VK9QO
Station VK9QO will be QRV on the bands from 7 MHz to 50 MHz, while the operation will take place in modes CW, SSB, FT8 a FT4. The team also presented a detailed bandplan, which will facilitate the tracking of signals:
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40 m: CW 7006, SSB 7120, DIGI 7056 kHz
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20 m: CW 14006, SSB 14120, DIGI 14090 kHz
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17 m: CW 18076, SSB 18120, DIGI 18090 kHz
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15 m: CW 21006, SSB 21220, DIGI 21090 kHz
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12 m: CW 24896, SSB 24950, DIGI 24911 kHz
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10 m: CW 28006, SSB 28460, DIGI 28090 kHz
Satellite activity
In addition to KV, the expedition will also focus on satellite connections. There are two main satellites on the plan:
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QO-100 (2.4 GHz / 10 GHz) – CW, SSB, FT8, FT4
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RS-44 (2 m / 70 cm) – CW, SSB, FT4
This makes VK9QO an extremely interesting project for satellite operators as well, as connection with such a remote location is one of the rarities.
Christmas Island
Christmas Island is a small tropical island in the Indian Ocean, approximately 350 km south of the Java Sea and 1,550 km from the Australian coast. Politically, it belongs to Australia as its overseas territory. The island has an area of around 135 km² and is famous for its unique nature - especially the annual migration of red crabs, millions of which move from the interior to the ocean, one of the world's most spectacular natural theaters.
The main settlement is located in Flying Fish Cove. Christmas Island has a multicultural population with Chinese, Malay and European roots. In addition to tourism, phosphate mining is also important. The island offers rich opportunities for diving, nature observation and also serves as an interesting location for radio amateur expeditions that attract DX enthusiasts from all over the world.
QSL and contact
All connection confirmations will be processed through JA3GEP. Those interested can also use the e-mail address: JBH02173@nifty.com.
Conclusion
The VK9QO expedition will bring a unique chance to acquire a new island on HF and satellite bands. Thanks to the experienced team and the support of JAMSAT, we can expect high-quality operation, attractive connections and joy for many radio amateurs.
From 3 to 7 October 2025 so be sure to tune in your stations - either on KV or via QO-100 and RS-44. VK9QO from Christmas Island is waiting for your call!