Archived ARISS status reports *********************** August 23, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contact South Hobart Primary School, South Hobart, Tasmania, Australia has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Friday, August 27 at 06:43 UTC via station K6DUE in Greenbelt, Maryland. The ARISS activity has been incorporated into the school science curriculum through lessons covering the solar system, space exploration and the history of astronomy. Students completed research projects on the planets of the solar system, kept phases of the moon diaries and wrote stories and poetry relating to these topics. 2. Da Vinci Science Center Contact was a Success On Wednesday, August 18, astronaut Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC on the ISS participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with the DaVinci Science Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Telebridge station LU8YY in Argentina facilitated the connection. Approximately 80 campers watched as Wheelock answered ten questions put to him by 8 first and second graders. The contact was integrated into Da Vinci’s 2010 Summer Camp Program. Students learned about space through lessons from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Education Office. In addition, the Delaware-Lehigh Amateur Radio Club provided instruction on Amateur Radio and demonstrated VHF to the youngsters. The Morning Call posted an article on the event. See: http://blogs.mcall.com/parents/2010/08/lehigh-valley-student-talk-to-astronaut-on-the-space-station.html 3. ARRL Article on Boy Scout Jamboree The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) posted a web story on the 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree, held in Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia on July 26-August 4, which incorporated an ARISS contact into its amateur radio activities. Six thousand scouts toured the K2BSA demonstration station, 210 scouts earned Radio merit badges and 147 people were licensed during the event. The story was also carried in the August 19 ARRL Letter. See: http://www.arrl.org/news/k2bsa-amateur-radio-fun-in-the-warm-virginia-sun 4. ISS Ham Debrief with JAXA Astronaut Expedition 22/23 JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) debrief session on Tuesday, August 17. His comments on the ISS Ham radio equipment and school contacts will aid the ARISS team with its program operations. 5. ARISS International Team Meeting Held The ARISS International Team held its monthly teleconference on Tuesday, August 17. Discussions included the next face to face meeting, the Columbus module equipment, and a status on ARISSat-1. Minutes have been posted. See: https://www.rac.ca/ariss/arisstel2010-08-17.htm 6. ARISSat-1 Status On August 22, the AMSAT News Service (ANS-234) weekly bulletin provided an update on ARISSat-1. See: http://amsat.org/pipermail/ans/2010/000436.html 7. ARISS News on Amateur Radio Newsline On August 20, the Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1723 included a story about astronauts repairing a faulty cooling system on the ISS and how ARISS contacts were affected. “Ham Radio in Space: ISS Cooling System Affects ARISS Contacts” may be found at: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt 8. Astronaut Training Status ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli, IZ0JPA has been scheduled for an ARISS refresher course on September 3, during which he will be briefed on procedures to install the VHF Ericsson radio system in the Columbus module. Nespoli is slated to fly with Expedition 26 in November 2010. *********************** August 16, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contact An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled with the DaVinci Science Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, August 18 at 15:36 UTC via station LU8YY in Argentina. The Center has integrated this activity into its Summer Camp Program for 2010. Students have learned about space through lessons from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Education Office and Astronaut Terry Hart is expected to give presentations. The Delaware-Lehigh Amateur Radio Club has provided instruction on Amateur Radio, how it works, what it is and its uses, how the ARISS radio systems work, the international ham radio team, satellite tracking, radio wave propagation and the organizations that sponsor ARISS. The club will also provide VHF demonstrations and multi-media presentations to the group which will enhance the center’s 200 hands-on exhibits that promote the understanding of science and technology. 2. QST Covers ARISS The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) September issue of QST carried an item in the "Inside HQ" column about how NASA ISS crew members participated in one or more ARISS educational activities per week during the first half of 2010. The ARRL monthly journal has a circulation of 150,000. 3. ISS Ham Debrief Scheduled An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) debrief session has been scheduled with Expedition 22/23 astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP on Tuesday, August 17. The feedback provided on the radio system and school contacts will help the ARISS program update its operations. *********************** August 9, 2010 1. Successful ARISS Contact Held with Boy Scout Space Jamboree An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was held with Boy and Girl Scouts in Rantoul, Illinois on Sunday, August 8. On-orbit astronaut Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC answered 14 questions prepared for him by the Scouts. The contact was part of the Space Jamboree held at the Rantoul National Aviation Center. Scouts from over eight states in the Midwest attended and earned merit badges in Space Exploration, Aviation, Robotics, Radio & Electronics and others. 2. ARRL Article on ARISS School, Greenville Elementary The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) posted a story on Greenville Elementary School whose teacher worked to have his students licensed in order to become a NASA Explorer School (NES). In the process, 3 teachers and 17 students were licensed with the help of Okaw Valley Amateur Radio Club. Greenville became an NES in 2006 and the school is on the waiting list for an ARISS contact early next year. See: http://www.arrl.org/greenville-elementary-school-hams 3. Amateur Radio Newsline Covers ARISS Event On Friday, August 6, the Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1721 posted two items covering the 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree held in Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia on July 31. The first story, “Ham Radio in Space: ISS to Scouting Jamboree Contact Success,” covers the ARISS contact with astronaut Doug Wheelock. The second story, “That Final Item: Ham Radio and the Best Scouting Jamboree Ever,” talks about the Jamboree, the 5,000 people that toured the K2BSA demonstration station, the 200 Scouts that earned the Radio Merit Badge, and the 130 people who were licensed during the event. To view the articles, see: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt *********************** August 2, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contact An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for the Space Jamboree in Rantoul, Illinois on Saturday, August 7 at 15:07 UTC. The Rantoul National Aviation Center is the former Chanute Air Force Base and is the home of the Chanute Air Museum, which collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets aviation and aerospace artifacts that relate to the life and accomplishments of Octave Chanute, Chanute Field/ Chanute Air Force Base and its technical training programs, the history of military aviation and Illinois aviation. The museum reaches out to youth with Aviation Camp and this year will host the “Space Jam 4” for Boy and Girl Scouts coming from over four states in the Midwest. Merit Badges may be earned in Space Exploration, Aviation, Radio & Electronics and others. 2. Boy Scouts Celebrate Anniversary with ARISS Contact On Saturday, July 31, an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was held with the 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree in Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC answered 13 questions posed to him by the Scouts as approximately 800 others listened in. Prior to the contact, K2BSA Amateur Radio Association set up its radio station which thousands of Scouts toured. Some Scouts earned their Radio Merit Badges and amateur radio licenses as well. This year, the Jamboree celebrates 100 years of Scouting in the U.S., with attendees from all 50 states and other countries around the world. Forty-three thousand are expected to attend. 3. ARISS News on Amateur Radio Newsline On July 30, the Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1720 posted a short story on the upcoming ARISS contact with the Boy Scouts of America. To view the article, “Ham Radio in Space: ISS to Celebrate 100 Years of US Scouting with ISS Contact,” see: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt *********************** July 26, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contact An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for the 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree in Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia on Saturday, July 31 at 18:21 UTC. The jamboree is being planned for about 43,000 Scouts and leaders in 825 troops, plus some 5,000 staff members for support, program and headquarters services. The K2BSA Amateur Radio Demonstration Area is a hot spot of activity throughout the Jamboree. At past Jamborees, thousands of Scouts toured K2BSA. More than 300 earned their Radio Merit Badges and more than 100 new Technician licenses were earned. The club supporting this event is the K2BSA Amateur Radio Association. 2. ARISS Contact with International Space University Students On Wednesday, July 21, International Space University in Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France, participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with Shannon Walker, KD5DXB on the ISS. Twelve questions were answered and regional television covered the event. In preparation for their contact, students studied the basics of satellite communications and learned about human spaceflight and space exploration. 3. ARRL Covers 2010 National Scout Jamboree The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) posted a story on its web page covering the upcoming 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree during which an ARISS contact is planned. The article was also included in the ARRL Letter. See: http://www.arrl.org/news/connect-with-the-national-scout-jamboree-via-amateur-radio 4. ARISS-Brazil Web Page Updated ARISS-Brazil has updated its Web page. The site has a new URL: http://www.qsl.net/py1kcf/ 5. Astronaut Training Status Astronauts Ron Garan, KF5GPO, and Mike Fossum, KF5AQG, each successfully completed a simulated Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with the Challenger Learning Center of Indianapolis on Thursday, July 22. Garan and Fossum answered 14 and 22 questions respectively during their contacts. These training sessions were terrestrial-based amateur radio contacts using ARISS equivalent equipment. 6. Astronaut T. J. Creamer Participates in ISS Ham Debrief An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) debrief session was held with Expedition 22/23 astronaut T. J. Creamer, KC5WKI on Monday, July 19. The feedback received will help ARISS with its program operations. 7. ARISS International Team Meeting Held The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) International Team teleconference was held on Tuesday, July 20. Discussions included a status on the Columbus Module radio equipment as well as an update on ARISSat-1. The minutes have been posted. See: https://www.rac.ca/ariss/arisstel2010-07-20.htm *********************** July 19, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contact International Space University (ISU), located in Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France, has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Wednesday, July 21 at 15:36 UTC. The university provides interdisciplinary educational programs to students and space professionals in an international, intercultural environment. Over 130 students are enrolled in the ISU Space Studies Program through which they will learn the basics of satellite communications. They will also study human spaceflight and learn about the legal aspects of space exploration and international cooperation. The ARISS contact will be the featured activity of this program. 2. ARISS Contact with Girl Guides of Canada On Friday, July 16, the Girl Guides of Canada spoke with on-orbit astronaut Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC via an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. The initial call to the ISS was made by the Commissioner of Girl Guides of Canada. Wheelock then answered 14 questions posed to him by twelve girls while an audience of approximately 2000 Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from around the world looked on. The girls had gathered at Guelph Lake, Ontario for the Guiding Mosaic 2010 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Guides in Canada. The Guides prepared for the contact by studying orbital mechanics and learning about the value of successful international partnerships. 3. MAI-75 Experiment Activated The Russian ISS crew members activated the MAI-75 (Moscow Aviation Institute) experiment on July 15 and 16. The system operated Space Cam in slide show mode using the Martin 1 format. Among those who captured Slow Scan Television (SSTV) images transmitted by the crew were ground stations in South America, Europe and Africa. For more information, see: http://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/ Images have been archived here: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/SSTV/ . 4. Astronaut Training Status – Upcoming Simulation Contacts Astronauts Ron Garan, KF5GPO, and Mike Fossum, KF5AQG, have been scheduled for simulated Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contacts with the Challenger Learning Center of Indianapolis on Thursday, July 22 at approximately 16:00 UTC and 16:15 UTC respectively. The contact should be available on IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project) Node 9010. These training sessions are terrestrial-based amateur radio contacts using ARISS equivalent equipment. 5. ARRL Story on Upcoming CLC Contacts The ARRL (American Radio Relay League) Indiana Section July Newsletter includes a story about the upcoming Challenger Learning Center (CLC) of Indianapolis contacts (training sessions) with Ron Garan and Mike Fossum. See: http://www.arrl.org/Groups/view/indiana 6. ISS Ham Debrief Scheduled An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) debrief session has been scheduled with Expedition 22/23 astronaut T. J. Creamer, KC5WKI on Monday, July19. The feedback provided will help ARISS update program operations. 7. ARISS - Camp Cavett Contact in the News On Thursday, July 8, Cavett Kids Foundation’s Camp Cavett in Kingston, Oklahoma, participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with astronaut Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC. Channel12 KXII Dara Downs covered the contact and a news clip has been posted to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF7BHbNGYbc For News Talk Radio KRMG’s press release, go to: http://krmg.com/localnews/2010/07/oklahoma-kid-campers-to-talk-w.html The September issues of CQ and CQ VHF are expected to carry stories on the contact as well. 8. ARISS News on Amateur Radio Newsline On July 16, the Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1718 posted a short story which talked about general ham radio contacts made by astronaut Doug Wheelock on the ISS. To view the article, “Ham Radio in Space: ISS Random Contacts Back,” see: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt *********************** July 12, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts The Girl Guides of Canada have been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Friday, July 16 at 17:47 UTC. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, ages 12-17, are participating in the Guiding Mosaic 2010 which is being held July 8-17 at Guelph Lake, Ontario to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Guides in Canada. The event focuses on girls doing program work in various fields including science and technology, sports, waterfront and arts and crafts. They have prepared for their ARISS contact by studying orbital mechanics and learning about the value of successful international partnerships. International Space University (ISU), located in Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France, has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Wednesday, July 21 at 15:36 UTC. The university provides interdisciplinary educational programs to students and space professionals in an international, intercultural environment. Over 130 students are enrolled in the ISU Space Studies Program through which they will learn the basics of satellite communications. They will also study human spaceflight and learn about the legal aspects of space exploration and international cooperation. The ARISS contact will be the featured activity of this program. 2. Successful Contact with Camp Cavett On Thursday, July 8, children attending Cavett Kids Foundation’s Camp Cavett in Kingston, Oklahoma, participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with on-orbit astronaut Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC. Wheelock’s question and answer session was the culmination of radio activities in which the youth were introduced to the basics of radio wave propagation. Local radio clubs gave demonstrations to the youth and assisted with other hands on activities. Media coverage included television and newspapers as well as CQ Magazine. Additional interviews were given to radio stations prior to the contact. 3. ISS Makes General Contacts Over the July 10 - 11 weekend, Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC made several general contacts with ground stations around the world including those in the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe. 4. MAI-75 Experiment to be Activated The Russian ISS crew members plan to activate the MAI-75 (Moscow Aviation Institute) experiment on July 15 and 16 at approximately 10:00 – 12:00 UTC, (mode to be determined). It may be possible for some ground stations to receive Slow Scan Television (SSTV) images transmitted by the crew. More information on the MAI-75 experiment may be found at: http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/researches/education-26.html 5. Astronaut Training Status Astronauts Ron Garan, KF5GPO, and Mike Fossum, KF5AQG, have been scheduled for simulated Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contacts with the Challenger Learning Center of Indianapolis on Thursday, July 22 at approximately 16:00 UTC and 16:15 UTC respectively. These training sessions are terrestrial-based amateur radio contacts using ARISS equivalent equipment. 6. ESA Covers ARISS Contact with Italian Campers The European Space Agency posted a story on the recent ARISS contact held with the summer camp “Astronauts in Forest,” in Perugia, Italy. See: http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMSCGO2CBG_Italy_0.html 7. ARISS News on Amateur Radio Newsline On July 9, the Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1717 posted an item on the AIS (Automatic Identification System) and ARISS antennas installed on the Columbus Module. To view the article, “Ham Radio in Space: ESA Columbus AIS System Antenna Built by Ham,” see: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt *********************** July 5, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contact Cavett Kids Foundation’s Camp Cavett, based out of OU Medical Center in Kingston, Oklahoma, has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Thursday, July 8 at 20:35 UTC. The mission of the Cavett Kids Foundation is to provide a forum of support through various camps, events, and programs for children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses while promoting character, coping skills, and connection. Using ARRL (American Radio Relay League) lesson plans, children will be introduced to the basics of radio wave propagation and local radio clubs will assist with demonstrations and hands on activities. 2. Astronaut Speaks with Summer Camp via ARISS Expedition 24 astronaut Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with summer camp "Astronauts in Forest," in Perugia, Italy on Friday, July 2. The connection was provided by telebridge station ON4ISS in Belgium. Wheelock managed eight questions put to him by the camp which was attended by twenty children and four staff members. The camp, which is based on astronomy and space education, provides a program of space activities for children, ages 11 to 14. 3. ARISS Included in Brazilian Space Agency Videos Brazilian Space Agency AEB has produced two videos about the International Space Station. The videos were recorded by astronaut Marcos Pontes and are the first videos showing ARISS activities in Portuguese. See: Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/user/PY1KCF#p/a/u/1/vilmCC7RRQ0 Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/user/PY1KCF#p/a/u/0/GJll0WZfYmg *********************** June 28, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts Summer camp "Astronauts in Forest," Perugia, Italy has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Friday, July 2 at 19:50 UTC via telebridge station ON4ISS in Belgium. The camp teaches youth why it is necessary to study and protect the environment. It explains that space research is very important for the future of our planet and younger generations and it also initiates the children in the use of scientific instruments. Cavett Kids Foundation’s Camp Cavett, based out of OU Medical Center in Kingston, Oklahoma, has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Thursday, July 8 at 20:35 UTC. The mission of the Cavett Kids Foundation is to provide a forum of support through various camps, events, and programs for children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses while promoting character, coping skills, and connection. Using ARRL (American Radio Relay League) lesson plans, children will be introduced to the basics of radio wave propagation. Local radio clubs will assist with demonstrations and hands on activities. 2. Japanese Club Talks to ISS via ARISS Contact On Wednesday, June 23, Asahi Manabiya, a volunteer club in Owariasahi, Japan, took part in a direct Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. Approximately 145 people attended the event and watched as the youth asked 23 questions of Expedition 23/24 astronaut Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, KF5DBF. This contact was a featured activity used by the club to pique children’s interest in natural science. The event drew media attention and was covered by one radio station, two television stations and a newspaper. 3. ARISS Web Page Links to DLN Module An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) page may be found on NASA’s Teaching From Space (TFS) Web site. A link to the Digital Learning Network (DLN) amateur radio module has been added to this page. See: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/teachingfromspace/students/ariss.html 4. ARISSat Safety Review to be Held The Johnson Space Center Payload Safety Review Panel will perform a flight safety review of ARISSat-1 on the mornings of Wednesday and Thursday, June 30 – July 1 in Houston. Participation in the review will include U.S. and Russian ARISSat team members as well as RSC-Energia safety specialists. 5. AMSAT Covers ARISS Antennas The June 27 AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) News Service bulletin posted a story covering the activation of the AIS (Automatic Identification System) equipment on the Space Station which uses an ARISS built antenna. A second ARISS antenna will be used for the Ericsson system in the Columbus module which will be activated in early 2011. To view the story, go to: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/news/ *********************** June 21, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts Asahi Manabiya in Owariasahi, Aichi, Japan, has been scheduled for a direct Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Wednesday, June 23 at 12:48 UTC. Asahi Manabiya is a volunteer club with approximately 50 members which hopes to pique children’s interest in natural science including electrical and electronic phenomena through this ARISS activity. Quebec Rangers, southern Quebec, Canada has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Friday, July 2 at 19:45 UTC via telebridge station ON4ISS in Belgium. Canadian Rangers are dedicated, knowledgeable members of the Army and reflect the diversity of the communities they belong to. Many Canadian Rangers are Aboriginal and there are a total of 23 different languages spoken. Easily recognized by their red sweatshirts and ball hats, the Canadian Rangers play an important role in advancing public recognition of Canada’s Inuit, First Nations and Métis. 2. ARISS International Team Meeting Held The monthly Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) teleconference was held with the International Partners on Tuesday, June 15. Discussions included ARISS elections, the Columbus Module equipment status and an update on ARISSat-1 progress. Minutes have been posted to the ARISS Web site. See: https://www.rac.ca/ariss/arisstel2010-06-15.htm 3. ARISS News on Amateur Radio Newsline On June 18, the Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1714 included three ARISS related stories. An item was posted under Radio Celebrations that covers the upcoming 2010 Boy Scout Jamboree at Fort A. P. Hill, Virginia to be held from July 26 to August 4. The Boy Scouts of America radio station K2BSA will be set up and several amateur radio activities are planned, including a possible link-up with the ISS. Under Ham Radio in Space is a story, “Three Hams in Next ISS Crew” which talks about the recently launched Expedition 24 crew, as well as another posting, “AMSAT Hamvention Videos Posted On-Line,” that provides a link to the recent videos, one of which is an update on ARISSat-1. To view the article, see: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt 4. QST Covers ARISS Activities The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) July QST carried an article called "European IARU Member-Societies Exhibit in European Parliament." It talks about using amateur radio with the ISS to interest youth in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The ARRL monthly journal has a circulation of 150,000. *********************** June 14, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contact Asahi Manabiya, located in Owariasahi, Aichi, Japan, has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Wednesday, June 23 at 12:48 UTC. Asahi Manabiya is a volunteer club with approximately 50 members. It hopes to pique children’s interest in natural science including electrical and electronic phenomena through this ARISS activity. 2. Astronaut Caldwell-Dyson Speaks with ISIS Andrea Ponti via ARISS On Monday, June 7, students from ISIS Andrea Ponti in Gallarate, Varese, Italy, linked up with on-orbit astronaut Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, KF5DBF via an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. An audience of more than 250 students, teachers and visitors, located in several classrooms and connected by multimedia screens, were present for the contact. ARISS mentor Francesco De Paolis, IK0WGF introduced the event and ARISS activities with a presentation via phone line. The event was distributed via webcast and was covered by the local media and newspapers. This contact was the final event of several cross-curricular activities involving different school subjects including Science, History, Geography, Math, Information Technology and English. 3. ARISS News on Amateur Radio Newsline On June 11, the Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1713 included a short story titled, “Radio from Space: Astroham Congratulates WIA on its 100th Anniversary.” The article is about Tracy Caldwell-Dyson’s ARISS contact during the WIA’s anniversary dinner in which she sent greetings and talked about the advancements in communications over the years. A link to the audio is provided. To view the article, see: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt 4. Astronaut Training Status Astronaut Tom Marshburn, KE5HOC is scheduled to receive ARISS basic operations training on July 12. *********************** June 7, 2010 1. Tracy Caldwell-Dyson Holds ARISS Contact with Italian Students On Saturday, June 5, Expedition 23/24 astronaut Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, KF5DBF took part in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with students, ages 6 – 10, attending Istituto Comprensivo Camaiore - Scuola Secondaria 1° Grado “M. Rosi,” in Camaiore, Italy. ARISS mentor Francesco De Paolis, IK0WGF introduced the event and ARISS activities with a presentation via phone line to an audience of more than 150 students, teachers, visitors and media. Caldwell-Dyson managed to answer the students’ 20 questions with enough time left for an exchange of greetings and thanks. The ARISS contact highlighted the students’ science lessons covering space and radio communications. Regional media and newspapers such as RAI3 Toscana and Il tirreno covered the event. 2. ARRL Article on WIA Celebration and ARISS Contact The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) posted a story about the WIA (Wireless Institute of Australia) centenary dinner which included an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with students from Canberra. To view the article, see: http://www.arrl.org/news/australia-students-celebrate-wia-centenary-with-ariss-qso The story was also published in the ARRL Letter: http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter?issue=2010-06-03#toc03 *********************** May 31, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts Istituto Comprensivo Camaiore - Scuola Secondaria 1° Grado “M. Rosi,” Camaiore, Italy has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Saturday, June 5 at 10:21 UTC. Students participating in the contact have learned about space science, principles of radio communications and the benefits of space exploration and have prepared to use English in a real life situation. ISIS Andrea Ponti, located in Gallarate, Varese, Italy, has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Monday, June 7 at 09:40 UTC. The contact is the final event of several cross-curricular activities involving different school subjects including Science, History, Geography, Math, Information Technology and English. Students have learned about the solar system and its origins, the Space Conquest and its wide range of applications in everyday life (television broadcast by satellite, Internet, meteorological conditions) and scientific research. 2. ARISS Contact Highlights WIA Centenary Event On Saturday, May 29, students from Trinity Christian School in Canberra, Australia attended a special dinner to celebrate the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) centenary through participation in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. Telebridge station ON4ISS in Belgium provided the connection. On-orbit astronaut Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, KF5DBF sent greetings to the WIA and congratulated the group on its anniversary. She then went on to answer the ten questions prepared by the students. The WIA has posted an article on the event to its Web site. See: http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2010/20100531-1/index.php 3. ARISS News on Amateur Radio Newsline On May 28, the Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1711 included a story titled, “Radio Honors: Wireless Institute of Australia Turns 100 in Year Long Celebration.” The article talks about the WIA’s anniversary and its ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) contact with Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, planned for May 29. To view the article, see: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt *********************** May 24, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) in Bayswater, Victoria, Australia has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Saturday, May 29 at 10:43 UTC via ON4ISS in Belgium. The WIA will hold a special dinner to celebrate its centenary and has invited students from local schools in Canberra to make an ARISS school contact on that evening. It is anticipated that this dinner will be a high key event with Australia wide coverage. Istituto Comprensivo Camaiore - Scuola Secondaria 1° Grado “M. Rosi,” Camaiore, Italy has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Saturday, June 5 at 10:21 UTC. Students participating in the contact have learned about space science, principles of radio communications and the benefits of space exploration and have prepared to use English in a real life situation. 2. ARISS Contact for Pita Kallak School An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was held between Pita Kallak School in Kuujjuaq, Quebec, Canada and on-orbit astronaut Timothy Creamer, KC5WKI on Thursday, May 20. Telebridge station ON4ISS in Belgium provided the connection. Some technical difficulties were encountered, but nine questions were answered during the session. In preparation for the contact, students learned about the ISS and amateur radio through video, the internet and guest speakers and created science related projects in the classroom. 3. ARISSat Presentation Available for Viewing Gould Smith, WA4SXM gave a presentation on ARISSat-1 at the Dayton Hamvention, held over the May 14-16 weekend. His presentation has been posted to YouTube. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEDfSCw6VcU 4. ARRL QST Covers ARISS The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) June QST carried an article by Steve Ford, WB8IMY titled, "Ground Control to Major Tom." The story was about ARISS and making general contacts with the ISS crew members. It started off with how ARISS is mainly to enhance youth STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education, but that all amateur radio operators can have an ARISS contact. It talked about the types of contacts and included a picture of astronaut Mike Fincke. Then it talked about Richard Garriott and his SSTV (Slow Scan Television). The ARRL monthly journal has a circulation of 150,000. 5. Astronaut Training Status Astronaut Don Pettit, KD5MDT had a productive ham radio training session review on May 19. He expects to be active with the amateur radio system while on the ISS and is currently assigned to Expedition 30. 6. ARISS Presented at Scout-O-Rama “Scout-O-Rama” was held over the May 15 weekend in Wheaton, Illinois. ARISS Mentor John Spasojevich set up an exhibit about amateur radio and ARISS at this event. *********************** May 17, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts Pita Kallak School in Kuujjuaq, Quebec, Canada has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Thursday, May 20 at 16:28 UTC via station ON4ISS in Belgium. The school plans to form a space club with participants from all grade levels. The students will learn about the ISS and radio protocol through video, the internet and guest speakers and will create projects (mobiles, posters, banners, murals) related to these subjects and display them in “Mission Control” (the gym). The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) in Bayswater, Victoria, Australia has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Saturday, May 29 at 10:43 UTC via ON4ISS in Belgium. The WIA will hold a special dinner to celebrate its centenary and has invited students from local schools in Canberra to make an ARISS school contact on that evening. It is anticipated that this dinner will be a high key event with Australia wide coverage. 2. Successful ARISS Contact Held with Komoro Higashi Junior High On Friday, May 14, Komoro Higashi Junior High School students in Komoro, Nagano, Japan contacted onboard astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP via the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program. Prior to the event, children visited Nobeyama Radio Observatory and worked on radio kits as part of their science curriculum. Over 140 students, parents and guests watched as 15 students had their questions answered during the contact, while 2 television stations and 5 newspapers provided media coverage. 3. MAI-75 Experiment Activated The MAI-75 (Moscow Aviation Institute) experiment was activated on Friday, May 14. The ISS crew transmitted several SSTV (Slow Scan Television) images which were received by ground stations in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. Images have been posted to the SSTV Web site: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/SSTV/ 4. ARISS at Dayton Hamvention Dayton Hamvention 2010 was held at the Hara Arena Complex in Dayton, Ohio over the May 14-16 weekend. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) manned exhibition booths at the event. Gould Smith, WA4SXM, AMSAT Project Manager for ARISSat-1, gave a presentation on the satellite. The ARISSat-1 prototype was on exhibit and demonstrated to the crowds. ARRL held a Teachers Workshop and distributed ARISS bookmarks to educators interested in the ARISS program. The Dayton Hamvention is an internationally attended amateur radio convention that draws crowds of 25,000 annually. *********************** May 10, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts Komoro Higashi Junior High School in Komoro, Nagano, Japan has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Friday, May 14 at 11:16 UTC. The students have become especially interested in space due to Koichi Wakata, the first long term Japanese astronaut on the ISS. Many children chose to take a space themed course under their general education requirement. As part of their studies, they visited Nobeyama Radio Observatory and worked on radio kits. A JAXA representative visited the school and gave a presentation on space and the ISS. Through these activities, students enhanced their knowledge of space, the ISS and communication using ham radio. Pita Kallak School in Kuujjuaq, Quebec, Canada has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Thursday, May 20 at 16:28 UTC via station ON4ISS in Belgium. The school plans to form a space club with participants from all grade levels. The students will learn about the ISS and radio protocol through video, the internet and guest speakers and will create projects (mobiles, posters, banners, murals) related to these subjects and display them in “Mission Control” (the gym). 2. Nippon Boy Scouts Experience ARISS Contact On Tuesday, May 4, the Nippon Boy Scout Amateur Radio Club in Mitaka-shi, Japan took part in a successful Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with on-orbit astronaut and former Boy Scout Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP. An audience of approximately 100 Scouts and guests were present for the contact. One television station and two magazines reported on the event. 3. ARISS Contact Held During NASM Space Day Event Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, KF5DBF participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with youth visiting the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum (NASM) in Washington, D.C. during the Space Day celebration on Saturday, May 8. Telebridge station VK4KHZ in Australia assisted with the connection. Prior to the contact, astronaut Dan Tani gave a presentation to the museum audience and after all 15 questions were answered, he asked one of his own. Over 300 people in the gallery listened to the amateur radio session. The Museum draws approximately 30,000 on this Saturday in May. 4. Russian Contacts Successful On Friday, May 7, an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) test session was held between Expedition 22 astronaut Oleg Kotov and the Peruvian National University of Engineering in Lima. The university’s amateur radio ground station that was used for the contact was created under the auspices of Kursk Technical University. On May 9, an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact took place with Sudzha Great Patriotic War (GPW) veterans from the Kursk Bulge, students of the Kursk State Technical University, high school students and local residents. The contact was conducted from the downtown square. Also participating in the event were Elena Aleksanrovna Bakalova, on behalf of GPW veterans, Nikolai Ivanovich Ilyin, the Head of Administration representing Sudzha District, Kursk Region and Kursk State Technical University Associate Professor, Valery Pikkiev, Sporadik HAM radio club manager. 5. MAI-75 Experiments Planned MAI-75 (Moscow Aviation Institute) experiments are planned for May 13 from 10:00 – 17:00 UTC and May 14 from 12:45 - 16:00 UTC. The VC-H1 in Robot-36 mode will be used to transmit Slow Scan Television images on May 13 and the computer will be used on May 14. 6. Astronaut Training Status Andre Kuipers had an ISS amateur radio review session on May 4 in preparation for his tour on the ISS as part of the Expedition 30 crew. Don Pettit will join him as part of that crew and will receive his review of the amateur radio systems in two weeks. Ron Garan of Expedition 27 completed testing for his amateur radio license and has been issued KF5GPO. He will receive his operational basics course next week. Kevin Ford has been issued the callsign of KF5GPP and is currently training for a future expedition crew assignment. 7. ARISS Delegate Talk Includes ARISS ARISS-Canada delegate Maurice-André Vigneault and Darin Cowan, of the ARISS Project Selection & Use Committee visited the Cornwall Armoury for the April meeting of the Seaway Valley Amateur Radio Club in Cornwall, Ontario. They gave a presentation on satellite communications and the ARISS program as a local school expressed interest in having an ARISS contact. They displayed the AMSAT banner and distributed handouts on AMSAT and the ARISS program, as well as stickers and logos from the Canadian Space Agency. Two complete mini satellite stations were also exhibited. 8. ARRL Article on IARU Exhibition The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) ran an article on the IARU (International Amateur Radio Union) exhibition at the European Parliament and the ARISS contact scheduled during the event. The story, “IARU News: Amateur Radio Exhibition Reflects Unity in Europe: European Radio Societies Exhibit in European Parliament,” may be found at: http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter?issue=2010-05-06 *********************** May 3, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for Nippon Boy Scout Amateur Radio Club in Mitaka-shi, Japan on Tuesday, May 4 at 15:09 UTC. The Japan Boy Scouts have an amateur radio club, JA1YSS and study amateur radio station operations. The boys look forward to speaking with Soichi Noguchi, a former Boy Scout. The Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum (NASM) in Washington, D.C. has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Space Day, Saturday, May 8 at 17:01 UTC via VK4KHZ in Australia. The Education Division of NASM is recruiting the young people who will participate in the contact. Generally, Boy Scouts and other groups are involved with this activity. The Museum draws approximately 30,000 on this Saturday in May. Komoro Higashi Junior High School in Komoro, Nagano, Japan has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Friday, May 14 at 11:16 UTC. The students have become especially interested in space due to Koichi Wakata, the first long term Japanese astronaut on the ISS. Many children chose to take a space themed course under their general education requirement. As part of their studies, they visited Nobeyama Radio Observatory and worked on radio kits. A JAXA representative visited the school and gave a presentation on space and the ISS. Through these activities, students enhanced their knowledge of space, the ISS and communication using ham radio. 2. ARISS Contact Held at IARU Exhibition/European Parliament Students from European School Brussels II were invited to the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium on April 27 to participate in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with on-orbit astronaut Timothy Creamer, KC5WKI. Other students remaining at the school listened in to the contact via teleconference. Telebridge station LU1CGB in Argentina provided the connection. The ISS hook-up was the highlight of the ESA/IARU (International Amateur Radio Union) Region 1 exhibition, “European Amateur Radio Benefiting Society.” Afterwards, astronauts Frank De Winne and Robert Thirsk as well as cosmonaut Roman Romanenko visited the exhibition and met with a group of 40 students to answer questions about their space missions. Several Members of the European Parliament and assistants attended the event. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) posted articles on this event. For the ARRL story, see: http://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-exhibition-reflects-unity-in-europe-european-radio-societies-exhibit-in-european-parli For AMSAT coverage, see: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php 3. Astronaut Training Status On Monday, April 26, astronauts Ron Garan (Expedition 27) and Kevin Ford (Expedition TBD) successfully passed their FCC amateur radio licensing exams. Callsigns should be posted to the FCC database in about a week. 4. Soichi Noguchi Contacts Showa Base On April 29, on-orbit astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP used ARISS radio equipment and contacted Yuusuke Otani and Sakae Kudouh at Showa Base in Antarctica. This was the first contact ever made between the ISS and Showa Base, 8J1RL. Noguchi remarked on the event, “One small chat for man, a giant leap for ARISS!” *********************** April 26, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for an IARU (International Amateur Radio Union) Region 1 Exhibition in European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium on Tuesday, April 27 at 12:53 UTC via telebridge station LU1CGB in Argentina. Students from European School Brussels II have been invited to visit the European Parliament for this special event. An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for Nippon Boy Scout Amateur Radio Club in Mitaka-shi, Japan on Tuesday, May 4 at 15:09 UTC. The Japan Boy Scouts have an amateur radio club, JA1YSS and study amateur radio station operations. The boys look forward to speaking with JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi, a former Boy Scout. The Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum (NASM) in Washington, D.C. has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Family Day, Saturday, May 8 at 17:01 UTC via VK4KHZ in Australia. The Education Division of NASM is recruiting the young people who will participate in the contact. Generally, Boy Scouts and other groups are involved with this activity. The Museum draws approximately 30,000 on this Saturday in May. 2. Caldwell-Dyson Speaks with Houston School via ARISS On Monday, April 19, Expedition 23 astronaut Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, KF5DBF participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with students from Jessup Elementary School in Houston, Texas. The connection was made through telebridge station WH6PN in Hawaii. Prior to the contact, ARISS was incorporated into science, math, and language arts classes and children prepared 20 questions for the astronaut. Caldwell-Dyson answered them all as a crowd, filling the school's gymnasium, listened in. Several newspapers also attended and covered the event. 3. ARISS International Team Meeting Held The monthly ARISS International Team teleconference was held on Tuesday, April 20. Topics of discussion included an update on the radio equipment for the Columbus Module and an ARISSat-1 status. Minutes have been posted. See: https://www.rac.ca/ariss/arisstel2010-04-20.htm 4. Astronaut Training Status On Monday, April 19, astronauts Kevin Ford and Shane Kimbrough received an overview of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, followed by a Basic Ops session with Kimbrough. Both astronauts are scheduled to fly on future ISS expeditions. *********************** April 19, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for Jessup Elementary School in Houston, Texas on Monday, April 19 at 18:43 UTC. This will be a telebridge connection through ground station WH6PN in Hawaii. The school has integrated the ARISS activity into the school curriculum, specifically focusing on science, math, and language arts instruction across the pre-kindergarten to the fourth grade level. An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for an IARU (International Amateur Radio Union) Region 1 Exhibition in European Parliament Brussels on Tuesday, April 27 at 12:53 UTC via telebridge station LU1CGB in Argentina. Students have been invited to visit the European Parliament for this special event. 2. ARISS - Poland School Contact Successful On Monday, April 12, Expedition 22/23 astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with students attending Edward Abramowski Technical and Comprehensive Schools Complex No. 3 in Katowice, Poland. The school prepared for the contact by incorporating ARISS into lesson plans covering Geography, Physics, IT and Electronics. Eleven questions were answered and Noguchi expressed his condolences to the school on the death of their president. 3. Astronaut Training Status Astronauts Kevin Ford and Shane Kimbrough will receive an overview of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program on Monday, April 19. Both astronauts are scheduled to fly on future ISS expeditions. *********************** April 12, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contact An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for Jessup Elementary School in Houston, Texas on Monday, April 19 at 18:43 UTC. This will be a telebridge connection through ground station WH6PN in Hawaii. The school has incorporated the ARISS activity into its curriculum, specifically focusing on science, math, and language arts instruction across the pre-kindergarten to fourth grade levels. 2. Astronaut Timothy Creamer Speaks with Italian Students via ARISS On Tuesday, April 6, on-orbit astronaut Timothy Creamer, KC5WKI participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with students from Scuola Primaria De Gasperi in Bari, Italy. The contact was held at the Cittadella Mediterranea della Scienza, which was designed to stimulate interest of the general public and especially youth, in fields of science and technology. To prepare for the contact, students studied principles of radio communications and space missions and were given a presentation on ARISS by ARISS mentor Francesco De Paolis, IK0WGF. The event drew an audience of more than 100 students, teachers and guests as well as members of the media. The contact audio and video were distributed throughout Europe and America by webcast, receiving 500 connections. 3. ISS Ham Debrief Held with Astronaut Jeff Williams Expedition 21/22 astronaut Jeff Williams, KD5TVQ participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) debrief session on Friday, April 9. The feedback he provided on the ISS Ham radio equipment and school contacts will help the ARISS team improve program operations. 4. ARISSat Presentation to be Given at Dayton Hamvention Dayton Hamvention 2010 will be held at the Hara Arena Complex in Dayton, Ohio on May 14 - 16. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) will both man exhibit booths at the event. Gould Smith, WA4SXM, AMSAT Project Manager for ARISSat-1, plans to give a presentation at the AMSAT Forum titled, "Getting ARISSat-1 Ready to Fly." The Dayton Hamvention is an internationally attended amateur radio convention that draws crowds of 25,000 annually. For more information on Dayton Hamvention 2010, go to: http://www.hamvention.org/ 5. Four Women in Space Hold Amateur Radio Licenses Shuttle STS-131 launched on April 5, carrying three women into space: Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, KE5DAT, Stephanie Wilson, KD5DZE and JAXA astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, KE5DAS. Upon docking with the ISS, they joined Expedition 23 crew member Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, KF5DBF. This was the first time that four women have been in space, and all are licensed hams. Caldwell-Dyson will participate in her first Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with Jessup Elementary School in Houston on April 19. *********************** April 5, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contact An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled with Scuola Primaria De Gasperi in Noicattaro, Bari, Italy on Tuesday, April 6 at 10:47 UTC. This is a public primary school with an enrollment of 700 students, ages 6 - 11. To prepare for the contact, students have studied the principles of radio communications and space missions. 2. Astronaut Soichi Noguchi Chats with Texas Students via ARISS Contact On Monday, March 29, Walnut Creek Elementary School students in Azle, Texas took part in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP. All 23 questions were answered with time for a two way “Goodbye.” ARISS was integrated into the science curriculum as students researched space objects and gave presentations to their class. The youth also attended satellite communications demonstrations given by retired Lockheed employees and members of local radio clubs. On the day of the contact, a proclamation was read by an Azle City representative declaring it to be Space Day in Azle. Four television stations and one local newspaper covered the event and the audio was available on EchoLink. 3. HAMEX 2010 ARISS Exhibit HAMEX 2010, the largest RadioFest in Canada, was held on Saturday, March 27 in Toronto. AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) and ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) members attended the event and manned an exhibition booth which displayed two mini satellite communications stations as well as information boards with pictures of astronauts involved in the ARISS program. A large AMSAT banner was posted, along with two 7 foot posters on loan from the Canada Space Agency (CSA). CSA also provided handouts, stickers and various magnetic logos, which along with pamphlets describing AMSAT and the ARISS program, were distributed to the many visitors the exhibit attracted. The event was a success in generating interest in the ARISS program and the team was invited back next year. *********************** March 29, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for Walnut Creek Elementary School in Azle, Texas on Monday, March 29 at 15:08 UTC. Students researched and created models of selected space objects and gave presentations of their work to the class. Retired Lockheed employees and members of local radio clubs gave demonstrations of satellite communications to the youth. The school recently formed an amateur radio club and students have enjoyed learning what radios can do. An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled with Scuola Primaria De Gasperi in Noicattaro, Bari, Italy on Tuesday, April 6 at 10:47 UTC. This is a public primary school with an enrollment of 700 students, ages 6 - 11. To prepare for the contact, students have studied the principles of radio communications and space missions. 2. Expedition 23 Astronaut Speaks with Japanese Youth via ARISS On Thursday, March 25, Expedition 23 astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP participated in a successful Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with Shiogama Daini Junior High School students from Shiogama, Japan. To prepare for the session, students compiled fifteen questions about life and work in space. Through their science classes, they learned about astronomy and communication via radio waves. Some students continued their training and studied for their amateur radio license exams. *********************** March 22, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts Shiogama Daini Junior High School in Shiogama, Japan has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Thursday, March 25 at 07:44 UTC. To prepare for the contact, students studied astronomy and were introduced to the Hubble Space Telescope. They also learned about radio communications and some continued their studies and prepared for their amateur radio license exams. An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for Walnut Creek Elementary School in Azle, Texas on Monday, March 29 at 15:08 UTC. Each student researched and created a model of a selected space object and then presented his work to the class. Retired Lockheed employees and members of local radio clubs gave demonstrations of satellite communications to the youth. The school recently formed an amateur radio club and students have enjoyed learning what radios can do. 2. Greece Students Question Astronaut via ARISS Contact On Tuesday, March 16, Timothy Creamer, KC5WKI connected with students attending18 Dimotiko Scholeio Peristeriou in Athens, Greece via an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. Students posed 19 questions to the on-orbit astronaut during the ISS overhead pass as an audience of 700 students, teachers and community members gathered to watch the event. Several dignitaries were present, including the General Secretary for Communications of the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunication of Greece, the Mayor of Peristeri (Athens) and the four vice mayors of Peristeri City. The contact was integrated into the school’s science curriculum covering subjects on astronomy and radio communications. 3. Astronaut Training Status On Monday, March 15, astronaut Paolo Nespoli, IZ0JPA participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) simulated contact with students from Quintino Sella, Biella, Italy with audio available on IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project). This training session was a terrestrial-based amateur radio contact using ARISS equivalent equipment. Nespoli is slated to fly with Expedition 26 in November 2010. 4. ARISS International Team Meeting Held The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) international team met for the monthly teleconference on March 16. Status reports were given on the Columbus module radio equipment as well as ARISSat-1. Minutes have been posted. See: https://www.rac.ca/ariss/arisstel2010-03-16.htm *********************** March 15, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled with 18 Dimotiko Scholeio Peristeriou in Athens, Greece on Tuesday, March 16 at 11:37 UTC. The contact was integrated into the school curriculum through astronomy and amateur radio lectures and special attention was given to the ISS regarding its role in humanity and science. The ISS courses were based on ESA’s “ISS Education Kit.” The amateur radio presentation included a demonstration of the equipment and its operation. Shiogama Daini Junior High School in Shiogama, Japan has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Thursday, March 25 at 07:44 UTC. To prepare for the contact, the youth studied astronomy and were introduced to the Hubble Space Telescope. They learned about radio communication and some students continued their studies and prepared for their amateur radio license exams. 2. JAXA Astronaut Participates in ARISS Contact with Alma Mater On Tuesday, March 9, JAXA’s Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with his alma mater, Ikaruga Elementary School, in Taishi Town, Japan. Approximately 350 guests watched as fifteen students asked their questions of the on-orbit astronaut. This ARISS activity was the highlight of the Ikaruga science curriculum on environmental issues and received significant media coverage. 3. Astronaut Training Status On Monday, March 15, astronaut Paolo Nespoli, IZ0JPA will take part in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) simulated contact with students from Quintino Sella, Biella, Italy. The contact is slated for approximately 13:30 UTC. Audio will be available on IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project). This training session is a terrestrial-based amateur radio contact using ARISS equivalent equipment. 4. ARISS News on Amateur Radio Newsline The Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1700, posted on March 12, covers the Boselli Prize awarded to the ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) program last week. The article, “Ham Radio in Space: ARISS Wins Boselli Prize,” may be found at: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt *********************** March 8, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled with Ikaruga Elementary School in Taishi Town, Hyogo, Japan on Tuesday, March 9 at 07:28 UTC. In the classroom, students learned about their local environment as well as that of the earth on a global scale, and studied environmental issues such as global warming. They also researched the ISS to prepare for this contact. This activity is a crew pick of JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi who is an alumnus of the school. An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled with 18 Dimotiko Scholeio Peristeriou in Athens, Attica Region, Greece on Tuesday, March 16 at 11:37 UTC. The contact was integrated in the school curriculum through astronomy and amateur radio lectures and special attention was given to the ISS regarding its role in humanity and science. The ISS courses were based on ESA’s “ISS Education Kit.” The amateur radio presentation included a demonstration of the equipment and its operation. 2. JAXA Astronaut Enjoys ARISS Contact with Alma Mater Expedition 22 astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with his alma mater, Hamasuka Junior High School, in Chigasaki City, Japan on Thursday, March 4. Approximately 300 attended the event and watched as fifteen students asked their questions. Three newspapers and three television stations, including Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) covered the event. 3. ARISS to Receive Boselli Award The "Associazione Italiana Radioascolto" A.I.R. (Italian Radio Listeners Association) has awarded the Boselli prize 2010 to the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program. The A.I.R. Board found that ARISS meets every requirement for the award, which is bestowed on "radio enthusiasts who promote the culture of radio, showing the importance of radio communications to hundreds of young students in Italy, Europe and beyond, spreading the use of radio from the forefront of science in the vast outer space down to small classrooms." The prize will be delivered on May 8 in Faenza during the A.I.R. annual meeting. 4. Astronaut Training Status On Monday, March 15, astronaut Paolo Nespoli, IZ0JPA will take part in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) simulated contact with students from Quintino Sella, Biella, Italy. The contact is slated for approximately 13:30 UTC. Audio will be available on IRLP. This training session is a terrestrial-based amateur radio contact using ARISS equivalent equipment. A Russian training session was held with astronaut Tracy Caldwell, KF5DBF which covered the use of ARISS equipment. Caldwell will fly with Expedition 23 in April. Photos of the session are available on the Energia Web site: http://www.energia.ru/en/news/news-2010/photo_02-27.html *********************** March 1, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contact Expedition 22 astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP will participate in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with Hamasuka Junior High School in Chigasaki City, Kanagawa, Japan on Thursday, March 4. This is a direct contact and is scheduled for 10:09 UTC. Noguchi is an alumnus of the school. 2. Timothy Creamer Chats with Doncaster Students via ARISS Contact On Thursday, February 25, Timothy Creamer, KC5WKI spoke with Doncaster Primary School students in Doncaster, Victoria, Australia via an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. The connection was made through telebridge ground station VK4KHZ in Queensland. Two hundred fifty guests attended the event and watched as the students asked nineteen questions of the on-orbit astronaut. The students were involved in many activities leading up to the contact in their Physics, Space, Geography, and English classes. During one such activity, the students researched a place in the solar system and created a short television program for the intergalactic travel show “Postcards.” 3. ARISS Annual Report 2009 Posted The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Annual Report 2009 has been posted to the AMSAT Web site. See: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/Papers/Annual%20Reports/ARISS_Annual_Report_2009_Final.pdf 4. ARISS News on Amateur Radio Newsline The February 26, Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1698 includes one item about the ARISS program. The “Ham Radio in Space” article summarizes the ARISSat Design Review meeting held in Orlando, Florida. See: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt *********************** February 22, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contact An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled with Doncaster Primary School in Doncaster, Victoria, Australia on Thursday, February 25 at 08:23 UTC. Astronaut Timothy Creamer, KC5WKI will make the connection through telebridge ground station VK4KHZ in Australia. The contact has been integrated into school subjects such as physics, space, geography and English. 2. ARISS International Team Meeting Held The monthly Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Team teleconference was held on Tuesday, February 16. A status was given on the Columbus module as well as ARISSat-1. The minutes have been posted. See: https://www.rac.ca/ariss/arisstel2010-02-16.htm 3. ARISS News on Amateur Radio Newsline The February 19, Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1697 included one ARISS news item. The “Ham Radio in Space” article was about astronaut Ron Garan studying to obtain his amateur radio license. See: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt 4. ARISSat-1 Meeting Held An ARISSat Design Review was held in Orlando, Florida on Monday and Tuesday, February 15 – 16. Thirteen members attended the meeting and gave 23 presentations concerning the status of ARISSat-1. A write-up on the meeting can be found on the AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) Web site. Links to the presentations will be posted soon. See: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php *********************** February 15, 2010 1. Astronaut Training Status Astronaut Ron Garan participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program training session and plans to study for his amateur radio license. He is scheduled to fly with the Expedition 27 crew in March 2011. Expedition 23 cosmonauts, both prime and backup crew members, received training on the ARISS radio equipment. See: http://www.energia.ru/en/news/news-2010/photo_02-05.html 2. ARRL QST Covers ARISS News The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) published an ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) news item in its March 2010 issue of QST. Under "This Just In" is an item about the record number of ARISS educational activities coordinated in 2009. The ARRL monthly journal has a circulation of 150,000. 3. ARISSat-1 Meeting to be Held ARISS members will meet Monday and Tuesday, February 15 – 16 in Orlando, Florida for a Design and Safety Review of ARISSat-1. The team will use this meeting to prepare for the upcoming Safety Review Panel and will ensure all required analyses and test verifications have been performed. *********************** February 8, 2010 1. Astronaut T. J. Creamer Enjoys ARISS Contact with Riley Ave. Students On Tuesday, February 2, astronaut Timothy Creamer, KC5WKI spoke with Riley Avenue Elementary School students through an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. The Calverton, New York youth spent weeks preparing for the contact, studying space and the solar system during Science and creating rockets and robots in Art class. The Peconic Amateur Radio Club helped coordinate the contact and provided the equipment used. A Riley fourth grader and newly licensed ham acted as the control operator during the contact. 2. Principal has Good Memories of First ARISS Contact The first Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was held between Bill Shepherd on the ISS and students attending Burbank School in Burbank, Illinois on December 21, 2000. Recently Burbank’s principal made the comment, “I continue to feel that the contact and the follow-up visit were by far my best experiences as an educator,” which says much about the program and its effect on those who participate. The school continues to display a plaque commemorating the ARISS event in its lobby. 3. ISS Ham Debrief Held with Frank De Winne Expedition 20/21 astronaut Frank DeWinne, ON1DWN participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) debrief session on Thursday, February 4. The feedback provided will help ARISS update program operations. 4. ARISSat-1 Status Report Posted AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) posted an article on the status of ARISSat-1. To view “Building the First US ARISSAT-1 Flight Unit Begins,” see: http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php *********************** February 1, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contact Riley Avenue Elementary School in Calverton, New York has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Tuesday, February 2 at 17:43 UTC. The school is integrating the contact throughout subject areas including but not limited to art, science, math, and English Language Arts. 2. JAXA Astronaut Participates in ARISS Contact with Boy Scouts On Thursday, January 28, JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP conducted an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with Boy Scouts visiting the Morioka Children’s Museum of Science in Morioka, Iwate, Japan. The children asked questions such as, “What is done to avoid collisions with space debris?” and “Why don’t artificial satellites fall on the earth?” Through this activity, the youth learned about the ISS, satellite orbits and amateur radio. 3. Moscow Aviation Institute Experiment Activated Cosmonaut Maxim Suraev activated the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI-75) experiment onboard the ISS on Wednesday - Friday, January 27 - 29. Slow Scan Television (SSTV) images of Earth and the ISS were downlinked to ground stations. Images received were archived to the ARISS SSTV Gallery. See: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/SSTV/ 4. ISS Ham Debrief Scheduled An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) debrief session has been scheduled with Expedition 20/21 astronaut Frank DeWinne, ON1DWN on Thursday, February 4. The feedback provided will help ARISS update program operations. *********************** January 25, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contact Morioka Children’s Museum of Science in Morioka, Iwate, Japan has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP on Thursday, January 28 at 06:53 UTC. The youth are currently learning about the ISS, satellite orbits and amateur radio. The contact is expected to be conducted in Japanese. 2. JAXA Astronaut Chats with Students via ARISS Contact On Friday, January 22, JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP conducted an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with children from Minato Junior High School in Hachinohe, Aomori, Japan. Students were able to ask 18 questions about space before the ISS went over the horizon. Through this activity, they learned about amateur radio as well as the purpose of and science performed on the ISS. 3. Astronauts Participate in Simulated ARISS Contacts On Thursday, January 21, astronauts Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC and Shannon Walker, KD5DXB took part in Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) simulated contacts with students at the Manhattan Challenger Learning Center in New York, New York and the Challenger Learning Center of Alaska in Kenai, Alaska, respectively. The training sessions were terrestrial-based amateur radio contacts using ARISS equivalent equipment. Wheelock and Walker are slated to fly with Expedition 24 in May 2010. 4. ARISS International Meeting Held The monthly Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) International teleconference was held on Tuesday, January 19. The agenda items discussed included a status on ARISSat-1 as well as plans for the Columbus module. Minutes have been posted. See: https://www.rac.ca/ariss/arisstel2010-01-19.htm *********************** January 18, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for Minato Junior High School in Hachinohe, Aomori, Japan on Friday, January 22 at 09:24 UTC. Students are learning about the goals of the ISS as well as radio communications and are studying for their amateur radio licenses. Morioka Children’s Museum of Science in Morioka, Iwate, Japan has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP on Thursday, January 28 at 06:53 UTC. The youth are currently learning about the ISS, satellite orbits and amateur radio. The contact is expected to be conducted in Japanese. 2. Commander Jeffrey Williams and Taiwanese Youth Speak via ARISS Contact On Monday, January 11, Expedition 22 Commander Jeffrey Williams, KD5TVQ participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with students attending Humanity Primary and Junior High School (HPJHS), the first charter school in Taiwan. Joining in the contact were students from the Technology and Science Institute of Northern Taiwan’s Department of Computer and Communication Engineering. Six hundred guests attended the event, which was sponsored by the Chinese Taipei Amateur Radio League (CTARL), and listened as Williams answered 15 questions about life in space. Media coverage included six television stations and five newspapers. 3. Cosmonauts Participate in Two ARISS Contacts with Kursk University On Saturday, January 16, cosmonauts Maksim Suraev and Oleg Kotov both participated in two Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) sessions with students and faculty of the Kursk State Technical University. The sessions were held on successive ISS passes. 4. Astronaut Training Status JAXA astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, KE5DAW received Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) basic operations training as well as an ARISS program overview on January 13. Furukawa is training as an Expedition 28 crew member which is planned to launch in May 2011. Two Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) simulated contacts are planned with astronauts Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC and Shannon Walker, KD5DXB on Thursday, January 21. Wheelock and Walker will answer questions posed by students at the Manhattan Challenger Learning Center, New York, New York and the Challenger Learning Center of Alaska, Kenai, Alaska, respectively. Both astronauts are slated to fly with Expedition 24 in May 2010. 5. ARISS Audio in Podcast On the NASA Do-It-Yourself Podcast Web site is an item about using Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contacts to record unique audio for use in a student built podcast. The blog provides additional information via links to the Teaching From Space ARISS Web page as well as the DIY Podcast Homepage. See: http://blogs.nasa.gov/cm/blog/diyPodcastBlog 6. ARRL Articles on Record Number of ARISS Contacts The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) ran a Web story on the record number of Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contacts held during 2009. ARISS delegate Rosalie White noted in the article that by year’s end, there was an increased interest in ARISS among U.S. schools as indicated by educators’ queries and the increase in U.S. ARISS applications submitted. To view the article, go to: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2010/01/12/11285/?nc=1 The story also ran in the ARRL Letter. See: http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/index.html?issue=2010-01-14#toc04 There are approximately 100,000 regular readers of the ARRL Web site and 77,000 read the ARRL Letter. *********************** January 11, 2010 1. ARISS Featured at Marconi Commemoration Event On Thursday, January 7, students attending the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” Marconi Commemoration Event in Rome, Italy participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with on-orbit astronaut Jeffrey Williams, KD5TVQ. The contact was facilitated by telebridge station W6SRJ in California. An audience of 200 watched as eleven questions were asked and answered. After the contact, Princess Elettra Marconi, daughter of Guglielmo Marconi and Mr. Dieter Isakeit of ESA ESRIN (European Space Research Institute) Corporate Communication Office & Communication and Knowledge Department, sent greetings to the ISS crew. Presentations were given by ARISS mentor Francesco De Paolis as well as Mr. Augusto Cramarossa, Italian Space Agency, Head of Strategy, National and International, Mr. Massimo Pucini, Deputy Mayor of Moteporzio Catone town and Mrs. Marina Ruggeri, Director Department of Electronics Engineering – University “Tor Vergata.” 2. ISS Ham Debrief Held An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) debrief session was held with Expedition 20/21 crew members Nicole Stott, KE5GJN and Robert Thirsk, VA3CSA on Tuesday, January 5. The feedback provided by the astronauts will help ARISS update program procedures. 3. ARISS News on Amateur Radio Newsline On January 8, Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1691 reported on two ARISS related items. The first news article under Ham Radio in Space was about the ARISS debrief that was held with astronauts Robert Thirsk and Nicole Stott. The second item covered the Marconi Commemoration Event held at the University of Rome on January 7. To view the stories “ARISS Debriefing Session Held” and “ARISS Helps Celebrate Marconi Event,” see: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt *********************** January 4, 2010 1. Upcoming School Contacts An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for the Marconi Commemoration Event to be held at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” in Rome, Italy on Thursday, January 7 at 09:00 UTC. Students will speak to on-orbit astronaut Jeffrey Williams via telebridge station W6SRJ in California. ESRIN (European Space Research Institute) personnel will give presentations and provide leaflets to the students. Humanity Primary and Junior High School, Tou-cheng town, Taiwan has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Monday, January 11 at 06:53 UTC. The Chinese Taipei Amateur Radio League (CTARL) is sponsoring this event. Through this opportunity, students will learn about space and radio communications. 2. Cosmonaut Enjoys ARISS Contact Cosmonaut Maxim Suraev participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with students from Noginsk High School on December 10, 2009. Suraev, an alumnus of the school, wrote about his experience in his blog. See: http://rt.com/About_Us/Blogs/orbital-log/2009-12-28.html 3. ISS Ham Debrief Scheduled An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) debrief session has been scheduled with Expedition 20/21 crew members Nicole Stott, KE5GJN and Robert Thirsk, VA3CSA on Tuesday, January 5. The feedback provided by the astronauts will help ARISS update program procedures.