An International Space Station (ISS) school contact has been planned with students at the Venta School in Carp, Ontario. A telebridge contact via IK1SLD is scheduled for Monday, May 30 at 19:01:25 UTC 32 deg.
The ISS call sign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS and the scheduled astronaut is Jeff Williams, KD5TVQ.
Here are the proposed questions generated by the Venta School students:
- How do different cultural backgrounds of the astronauts impact space station life?
- What are the topics of conversation between the different astronauts given they are from different countries?
- What is the common language on board the space station? Is there a common language that all must speak?
- Do you use personal tablets or electronic devices on board – can an iPhone work in space?
- How do you feel both emotionally and physically on the space station?
- Are your meals decided for you or do you have a choice – can you bring favorite items with you from earth?
- Do you envision a future space station with hundreds of people on board?
- What specific work or research are you doing during your mission on the space station?
- How does the line of authority work on the space station – does the commanding officer have final say on all decisions?
- What are your favourite views of earth?
- With fans/equipment running, is it noisy or quiet on board?
- What are the temperatures and climate settings like – is it cool and who controls this?
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States and other international space agencies and international Amateur Radio organizations around the world. The primary purpose of ARISS is to organize scheduled contacts via Amateur Radio between crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced volunteers from Amateur Radio clubs and coordination from the ARISS team, the ISS crew members speak directly with large group audiences in a variety of public forums such as school assemblies, science centers and museums, Scout camporees, jamborees and space camps, where students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies and Amateur Radio.
ARISS is an international educational outreach program partnering the participating space agencies, NASA, the Russian Space Agency, ESA, CNES, JAXA and CSA, with the AMSAT and International Amateur Radio Union organizations from participating countries.
ARISS offers an opportunity for students to experience the excitement of Amateur Radio by talking directly with crew members onboard the International Space Station. Teachers, parents and communities see, firsthand, how Amateur Radio and crew members on the International Space Station can energize youth and instill an interest in science, technology, and learning. Further information on the ARISS program is available on their website.
Source: Ian MacFarquhar, VE9IM, RAC ARISS Board Representative
Upcoming Contacts: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)