Amateur
   Radio  on the
         International
         Space
             Station


revised 2011-02-23 

 

 

 

 

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a volunteer program which inspires students, worldwide, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math through amateur radio communications opportunities with the International Space Station (ISS) on-orbit crew. Students learn about life on board the ISS and explore Earth from space through science and math activities. ARISS provides opportunities for the school community (students, teachers, families and local residents) to become more aware of the substantial benefits of human spaceflight and the exploration and discovery that occur on spaceflight journeys along with learning about technology and amateur radio.

ARISS is an international working group, consisting of delegations from 9 countries including several countries in Europe as well as Japan, Russia, Canada, and the USA. The organization is run by volunteers from the national amateur radio organizations and the international AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) organizations from each country. Since ARISS is international in scope, the team coordinates locally with their respective space agency (e.g. ESA, NASA, JAXA, CSA, and the Russian Space Agency) and as an international team through ARISS working group meetings, teleconferences and through electronic mail.

What is amateur radio?

Amateur radio is a form of communication, a hobby and a community service. An amateur radio operator could be a school teacher in Nova Scotia trading teaching methods over the radio with another radio amateur who is also a teacher, in New Zealand. An amateur radio operator could be a British teenager using her computer to upload a chess move through her radio which is retrieved by a fellow chess fan in Australia via an amateur radio space satellite. An amateur radio operator could be a Swedish truck driver speaking via amateur radio to a Russian scientist at the South Pole. Radio amateurs also save lives as part of an emergency communications network. Amateur radio is a unique, fascinating and friendly hobby that captivates the interest of millions of people around the world. It is fun for everyone!


ARISS Contact Options

ARISS school contacts can be performed in one of two ways:

        - a DIRECT radio link between an amateur radio station set up in your school and the amateur station onboard the ISS

        - a TELEBRIDGE, where a dedicated ARISS amateur radio ground station, located somewhere in the world, establishes the radio link with the ISS. Voice
           communications between your students and the astronauts are then patched over regular telephone lines.

One of the goals of this program is to involve students with amateur radio. A direct contact will give your students an opportunity to speak via amateur radio and learn how the radio system works. If your school has an amateur radio station that you plan to use for a direct contact, then the station must meet certain technical requirements that are outlined in section I of the ARISS Contact Requirements form. If you do not have a station, then you may be able to work with a local ham radio club to have them install and operate a portable station at your school. To learn more about amateur radio and to locate an amateur radio club near you, please contact your ARISS representative.

If you are unable to support a direct contact then a telebridge can also be a rewarding experience for students and faculty. The ARISS team will help the school set up the telebridge contact and give your students an opportunity to speak via amateur radio and learn how amateur radio works.

For either direct or telebridge contacts, please work with your local amateur radio operators who can mentor your school in technology lessons and many related skills.

Educational materials are available from ISS partner space agencies. Refer to the links on the Frequently Asked Questions page and ask your ARISS school mentor for these materials.

To apply for an ARISS contact, follow the links below for instructions on how to complete the application. You will also find a requirements form and a checklist to help you through the ARISS process. The information that you supply will be held in confidence. Past experience has shown that when ARISS planners need to contact the school, the more names and phone numbers, the better. This is why we are asking for complete contact information – even the principal’s home phone number. In the fast-paced world of radio contact opportunities, ISS scheduling changes may occur with only a few days' notice and the need to make contact with someone from the school becomes paramount.

You should expect that it will take between 1.5 and 2 years from the time your application is submitted until the contact occurs.

ARISS Application Form Instructions
ARISS Application Form

How to Convert Longitude and Latitude to Decimal Format
ARISS Contact Requirements
ARISS School Contact Checklist
24 hours ARISS School Contact Confirmation
Release Forms Requirement
Release Form

ARISS Evaluation Form


Send completed application forms to:


USA: The American Radio Relay League ARISS@arrl.org
Europe, Africa, Middle-East: J. Hahn, DL3LUM/PA1MUC dr.joerg.hahn@gmail.com
Russia: Valeriy Agabekov, N2WW/UA6HZ n2ww@arrl.net
Japan (and all Region 3 countries): Keigo Komuro, JA1KAB iaru-r3@jarl.or.jp
Canada (and all other countries ): Maurice-André Vigneault, VE3VIG ve3vig@amsat.org


 

ARISS is very interested in arranging amateur radio contacts between astronauts and school children.

School contacts provide an excellent opportunity for young people to find out about amateur radio, and to develop an interest in communications technology.

If you are interested in setting up a school contact in your area, please click on the following links for answers to frequently asked questions and more information for your part of the world.

The latest  Information about ARISS and the International Space Station

The International Space Station is now under construction and is permanently manned by teams of astronauts, many of whom have amateur licenses. 

Amateurs from the ISS partner countries, in the USA, Russia, Japan, Europe and Canada, have set up ARISS, a program to develop and put into operation the on-board amateur station . The initial station is now in operation,  and astronauts  are available for  QSO's in their spare time (they are usually very busy!). 

 

ARISS Status  February 21, 2011




1. Upcoming School Contacts

Preston North East Primary School in Preston, Victoria, Australia has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Tuesday, February 22 at 08:04 UTC via telebridge station W5RRR in Houston. Students in Grades 5 and 6 have been engaged in an integrated unit of work that focuses on Earth and the Solar System. The students have been learning why we are able to live on Earth and why other planets are not suitable to sustain human life.

Nishibori Eizaburo Memorial Explorer Museum Radio Club, located in Higashiomi, Shiga, Japan has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Tuesday, February 22 at 09:12 UTC. The radio club is an independent club that will use the museum facilities for this event. Children are learning about the ISS mission and space science and it is hoped that the contact will pique student interest in science and space technology.

2. Successful ARISS Contacts Held

Students from Matsubara High School, located in Matsubara, Osaka, Japan, experienced an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with U.S. astronaut Cady Coleman, KC5ZTH on Monday, February 14. The contact, which highlighted lessons on radios and the ISS, was attended by approximately 200 people. Media representatives from three newspapers, one radio station and three television stations, including NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) covered the event.

On Thursday, February 17, students attending “Claudio Varalli,” and “Salvador Allende” High Schools in Milano, Italy participated in an ARISS contact with ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli, IZØJPA on the ISS. Telebridge station W5RRR in Houston handled the connection. Varalli, which has both a technical school and a secondary school that focuses on foreign languages, has a radio club station, IZ2SHS that is used to practice languages. “Salvador Allende” emphasizes three courses of study in science, humanities and accounting. More than 100 students, teachers and visitors attended the event and listened as Nespoli fielded 16 questions posed to him by the students. Regional and local media covered the contact, which was available on EchoLink and streamed on the Web.

An ARISS contact was held between youth visiting Experiencing Learning, “Imparare Sperimentando,” in San Quirino, Italy and on-orbit astronaut Paolo Nespoli, IZ0JPA on Saturday, February 19 via station LU8YY in Argentina. A crowd of approximately 400 people gathered at Imparare Sperimentando, an interactive exhibition that covers a wide variety of physics experiments and science, and watched as the students asked 16 questions of the astronaut. Regional and local media covered the event. The audio was fed into EchoLink and streaming video was provided by AMSAT-Italia.

3. Kentucky Standard Says ARISS Inspires Students to Study Science

The Kentucky Standard Editorial Board printed an article about the recent ARISS - Foster Heights Elementary School contact, made possible with the help of Nelson County Area Technology Center students, and how this activity inspires children to learn more about science and technology. The story talks about how the radio contact fits in with President Barack Obama’s recent State of the Union address on how the nation needs to encourage students to learn and excel, especially in math and science. See: http://www.kystandard.com/content/space-contact-may-increase-science-and-math-interest

4. ARISS International Team Meeting Held

The ARISS International Team met for its monthly teleconference on Tuesday, February 15. Discussions included the upcoming ARISS-I face to face meeting, as well as status reports on Columbus Module projects and ARISSat-1 plans. Minutes have been posted to the ARISS Web site. https://www.rac.ca/ariss/arisstel2011-02-15.htm

5. AMSAT - ARISSat-1 Updates

On February 20, the AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) News Service bulletin (ANS-051) provided a status on ARISSat-1. Roscosmos has delayed the deployment of ARISSat-1 until the next Russian EVA scheduled in July. On April 12, the crew will connect the satellite, while still inside the ISS, to an external antenna and turn it on in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Gagarin’s first manned spaceflight. For more information, see: http://amsat.org/pipermail/ans/2011/000488.html

6. ARRL - Doug Wheelock will be Guest at Dayton Hamvention

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) posted a story in its February 17 ARRL Letter about astronaut Doug Wheelock’s plans to attend the Dayton Hamvention which will be held May 20-22, 2011. Wheelock will talk about his stay on the ISS, his contacts with school children and his many general contacts with hams. For the full story, “Astronaut Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC, to Be Guest of ARRL and AMSAT at Hamvention,®” go to:
http://www.arrl.org/news/astronaut-doug-wheelock-kf5boc-to-be-guest-of-arrl-and-amsat-at-hamvention

7. Astronaut Training Status

Three astronauts were given the ARISS Basic Operations class this past week. Kevin Ford, KF5GPP (Expedition 33), Chris Cassidy (Expedition 35) and Akihiko Hoshide, KE5DNI (Expedition 32) all participated in the training sessions.

8. Amateur Radio Newsline Covers ARISSat

On February 18, the Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1749 posted the story, “Ham Radio in Space: ARISSat-1 Deployment Delayed until July.” The story covers the recent events affecting the satellite. See: ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.txt







Archived ARISS Status Reports Jan. 2011 - present

Archived ARISS Status Reports  2010

Archived ARISS Status Reports 2009

Archived ARISS Status Reports 2008

Archived ARISS Status Reports 2007

Archived ARISS Status Reports 2006

Archived ARISS Status Reports 2005
Archived ARISS Status reports  Sept. 2003 - Dec. 2004

Latest News

 

ARISS Celebrates Tenth Anniversary of Student Conversations with ISS Astronauts

December 5, 2010


On 21 December 2000, astronaut William Shepherd turned from his usual activities aboard the newly occupied International Space Station (ISS). Floating over to a “ham” radio attached to a station bulkhead, he called the Burbank School in Burbank, Illinois and was soon talking with 14 enthusiastic students from grades 1- 8. This month, amateur radio operators world-wide celebrate the tenth anniversary of this first school contact from ISS.

Since that first contact, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) volunteers have conducted 565 successful contacts in 40 countries, allowing thousands of students to share the excitement of those first 14. Moreover, tens of thousands of students, faculty, and parents have participated by planning and attending these events.

ARISS contacts have prompted countless students to seriously consider pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers, including becoming an astronaut. Educational programs and amateur radio clubs established at participating schools continue to inspire students long after the contact has ended.

The use of amateur radio in space began in 1983 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. The Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX) flew on 28 shuttle missions, proving the educational and crew morale benefits of ham radio. Ham radio also proved popular with the cosmonauts aboard space station Mir. The value of amateur radio in space was so apparent to NASA and the Russian Space Agency that the ARISS radio became the first experiment to be activated on ISS.

ARISS is a volunteer program that inspires students the world over to pursue STEM careers by providing amateur radio communications opportunities with the International Space Station (ISS) on-orbit crew. Students learn about life on board the ISS and explore Earth from space through science and math activities. ARISS provides opportunities for the school community (students, teachers, families, and local residents) to become more aware of the substantial benefits of human spaceflight and the exploration and discovery that occur on spaceflight journeys while learning about technology and amateur radio.

ARISS is an international working group comprising delegations from 9 countries, including several countries in Europe as well as Japan, Russia, Canada, and the USA. The organization is run by volunteers from national amateur radio organizations and international AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) organizations in each member country. ARISS team members in each country work with their respective space agencies (ESA, NASA, JAXA, CSA, and the Russian Space Agency). In the USA, ARISS works with the NASA Teaching From Space program.

 

SuitSat-2 Now Called ARISSat-1

August 23, 2009

The SuitSat-2 project now has a new name to go with its new shape, ARISSat-1. Gaston Bertels, ON4WF, the ARISS Chairman announced the new name for the satellite and project this week. The project team is moving ahead using the same hardware that was to fly in the Russian Orlan suit. The team is re-configuring some of the modules to fit into the new structure being designed by Bob Davis, KF4KSS and his team.

Due to storage considerations on the International Space Station, the two surplus Orlan space suits in storage on the International Space Station were discarded via the Progress Cargo Vessel. One of these suits was to be used to house the electronics for the upcoming SuitSat-2 mission where the batteries were to be mounted inside the suit, solar panels attached to the extremities with the electronics, video cameras and antenna mounted on the helmet by the ISS crew prior to deployment during an EVA. The Progress vehicle, with the suits included, has undocked from ISS.

The ARISS International Team has been informed that there is still space available for shipment of the SuitSat-2 electronics on the projected cargo flight to the Space Station in January 2010 and the EVA scheduled for April 2010 still has a 'SuitSat-2' deployment scheduled.

The experiment being developed by Russia's Kursk State University is expected to be integrated into the electronics once the US produced equipment is delivered to Russia this fall.

However, the significant importance of this project to both ARISS and AMSAT is not diminished. ARISS sees this mission as an important component of education outreach as it will provide an opportunity for students around the world to listen for recorded greetings from space as well as learn about tracking spacecraft in orbit.

Meanwhile, the deployment of SDX (Software Defined Transponder), the associated receiver and transmitter modules, and control electronics is a critical milestone for AMSAT as this upcoming flight provides an opportunity to flight test the next generation of spacecraft hardware. Lessons learned from this deployment will be applied to future flight opportunities as AMSAT moves towards a 'modularization approach' to spacecraft development with the expectation the future spacecraft missions will utilize a derivative of SDX and the associated hardware.

-AMSAT,  http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php

 

SuitSat-2 Transforms Into a Satellite

July 8, 2009

 

Due to storage considerations on the International Space Station, the two surplus Orlan space suits in storage on the International Space Station were discarded via the Progress Cargo Vessel. One of these suits was to be used to house the electronics for the upcoming SuitSat-2 mission where the batteries were to be mounted inside the suit, solar panels attached to the extremities with the electronics, video cameras and antenna mounted on the helmet by the ISS crew prior to deployment during an EVA.

The Progress, with the suits included, was undocked from ISS this past week.

The ARISS International Team has been informed that there is still space available for shipment of the SuitSat-2 electronics on the projected cargo flight to the Space Station in January 2010 and the EVA scheduled for April 2010 still has a 'SuitSat-2' deployment scheduled. 

Consequently, the AMSAT team developing SuitSat-2 electronics on behalf of ARISS International is focusing on completing development in anticipation that deployment will still take place in Spring 2010 using a new structure to house it. In addition, the experiment being developed by Russia's Kursk State University is still expected to be integrated into the electronics once the US produced equipment is delivered to Russia this fall. Discussions are currently taking place between Russian ARISS members and the AMSAT project managers concerning the design of the new structure and where it will be constructed with these decisions to be made in the next few weeks.

The AMSAT team building the electronics is meeting July 10-12 in Phoenix to initiate integration testing of all of the components built in the US with subsequent testing to continue through the remainder of the summer in anticipation of shipping equipment to Russia in the fall.

The removal of the Orlan space suits from ISS removes the 'Suit' component of this deployment and at some point a new project name will be used to reflect the change in configuration.  However, the significant importance of this project to both ARISS and AMSAT is not diminished. 

ARISS sees this mission as an important component of education out-reach as it will provide an opportunity for students around the world to listen for recorded greetings from space as well as learn about tracking spacecraft in orbit. 

Meanwhile, the deployment of SDX (Software Defined Transponder), the associated receiver and transmitter modules, and control electronics is a critical milestone for AMSAT as this upcoming flight provides an opportunity to flight test the next generation of spacecraft hardware. Lessons learned from this deployment will be applied to future flight opportunities as AMSAT moves towards a 'modularization approach' to spacecraft development with the expectation the future spacecraft missions will utilize a derivative of SDX and the associated hardware.


AMSAT VP-Manned Spaceflight Will Marchant, KC6ROL

 

WIA ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE ARISS ASIA/PACIFIC REGION FOR YEAR 2008/2009

April 8, 2009

 

 

ARISS (Amateur Radio on International Space Station) is a positive way of introducing our hobby of amateur radio to students, and others throughout the world by demonstrating how it’s used to communicate with the crews on the International Space Station.

2008/09 has proven to be the busiest year yet for ARISS world wide, this region alone having had eight schools take part in scheduled linkups with the various crews on the ISS.  The schools in our region are as follows :- St.Thomas in Brisbane, QLD;  Anderson’s Creek in Warrandyte, Vic.; St.Teresa’s in Carterton, NZ ; Wairarapa Home School, NZ ;  Chatham Public School in Taree, NSW; Padthaway Primary School in SA.; Cotswold School in Christchurch, NZ and Kalori Catholic School in Wallaroo Sth.Aust. All but one of the above linkups has been handled via the worldwide ARISS telebridge network.

It’s good to see New Zealand schools coming into the ARISS program, I would like to thank Peter Norden, ZL2SJ for the work he has done in this area. New Zealand being +12 hours ahead of UTC time does create problems selecting suitable times for linkups in this region, however with the ISS crew changing their sleep shift for a brief period it worked out well enabling us to schedule these schools at a more respectable time.

As well as the Asia/Pacific schools named above, the Australian telebridge stations have been actively involved during the year handling communications for many other schools around the world.

This brings the worldwide total of scheduled educational contacts to around 420 since year 2000.

This year Martin VK6MJ in Perth has been accepted into the ARISS telebridge team to join Shane, VK4KHZ and Tony, VK5ZAI in Australia.  We have also appointed two telebridge stations in Sth. America and another in Europe to close any gaps in the network. This brings our total to 12 worldwide.

With the space station nearing completion and the crew numbers expected to double when it’s finished ARISS will be busier that ever in the years ahead with new projects on board the ISS being activated along with handling the normal scheduled educational linkups.

On 24 March this year our president Frank Bauer, KA3HDO announced his retirement from ARISS and AMSAT duties. Frank has been involved with manned space flight for many years and has done a brilliant job over that time.  Frank cited personal and professional reasons for his departure.  He is currently the Chief Engineer for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.  This directorate is developing the next generation human spaceflight vehicles that will take NASA to the International Space Station and then to the Moon, Mars and beyond. He is also providing some backup support to the Space Operations Chief Engineer who supports the Space Shuttle and International Space Station Programs. His enthusiasm and support will be missed by all.  However, Frank also ensured that his team evolved to the point where the work that he pioneered will be carried on by those that he mentored and encouraged to take on greater responsibility.  The International Vice Chair, Gaston Bertels, ON4WF will become the ARISS International Chairman effective immediately.  Gaston serves as the Chairman of the ARISS-Europe team. 

AMSAT-NA President Barry Baines, WD4ASW, has tapped Will Marchant, KC6ROL, to become the next AMSAT Vice President for Human Spaceflight Programs and the AMSAT USA delegate of the ARISS International Working Group.  Between Gaston and Will I can see ARISS continuing in good hands.

Late last year Richard Garriott,W5KWQ, son of Owen Garriott, W5LFL, the first astronaut to use amateur radio in space flew as a paying crewmember on the ISS. During his short time on board Richard had many random QSO’s with other amateurs around the world and activated the SSTV (Slow Scan TV) on board, sending numerous pictures back to Earth and creating much interest amongst amateurs and others that had the appropriate equipment to receive SSTV.

In February Tony, VK5ZAI got to test out the 70 cm band for telebridge contacts by doing three personal linkups for the crew. All were successful however it was noted that QSB was more predominant than on 2 metres.

During most of March 2009 Astronaut Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, had the cross band repeater activated. This created an enormous resurgence of activity amongst Australian amateurs, with new call signs popping up every day. Hopefully their interest in space communications will continue and they will be tempted to try out some of the other satellites available.

At the time of writing this report Commander Mike Fincke is coming to the end of his second six-month tour of duty on the ISS. Mike flew as mission specialist in 2004. During this currant mission he has taken the record from Bill McArthur who spoke to 37 schools during his flight in 2006.  Mike now totals 40 and is due to return to Earth in April 2009.

I would like to thank all those Amateurs who have assisted in any way with setting up equipment, speaking, and working with the various schools that have taken part in the ARISS Educational program, without them it would not be possible for ARISS to continue. I’m sure their real reward was seeing the excitement on the student’s faces as they first heard the astronaut’s voice break the silence and ask for the first student question.

Due to the number of schools that Mike has worked during his 6 months on the ISS the waiting time for schools applying has narrowed considerably, at present we only have two Australian schools on the waiting list and we require more.

I would like to see more amateurs take an interest in ARISS by getting their local schools involved.  If we want our hobby to survive and grow in the years to come it’s up to us to advertise it now.

What better way is there to stimulate the minds of our next generation in the fields of science, technology, and electronics, than suggesting to your local school that you can setup an Amateur Radio link to the ISS so students can speak direct to crew members on board as they circle the Earth. By introducing a school to ARISS and getting them to apply for an educational contact with the crew on the Space Station does not mean that you personally have to become involved, however you will be encouraged to do so if you wish, and will be given all the information and backup that you may require to work with the school. As mentioned earlier, all those that have assisted have found the exercise most rewarding

If you should need any assistance with this please contact myself or any member of the ARISS team.

 

 73’s  Tony VK5ZAI.

National ARISS coordinator

For Immediate Release

March 24, 2009

Silver Spring, Maryland USA

Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO to Step Down from ARISS and AMSAT Duties

 

Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO, announced today that, effective immediately, he will be stepping down from all his Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) duties.  This includes his contributions to NASA Education as the ARISS program leader, his support as the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) International Working Group Chair, his appointment as one of two ARISS USA delegates, and as the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation’s (AMSAT) Vice President for Human Spaceflight Programs.

 

Mr. Bauer cited personal and professional reasons for his departure.  He is currently the Chief Engineer for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.  This directorate is developing the next generation human spaceflight vehicles that will take NASA to the International Space Station and then to the Moon, Mars and beyond. He is also providing some backup support to the Space Operations Chief Engineer who supports the Space Shuttle and International Space Station Programs.   “Work responsibilities, which have increased substantially over the past couple of years, coupled with some recent health issues within my immediate family, led me to the conclusion that I could not continue to provide the leadership and passion that has been characteristic of my past support to these amateur radio endeavors,” Mr. Bauer said.  “This was a very hard decision.  I will certainly miss the phenomenal ARISS international team and our mission to inspire the next generation of space explorers using ham radio as our platform.  But I thought it would be best to step down at this juncture,” Bauer explained.  KA3HDO continues, “Over the past 12 years, we have developed, mentored and matured an outstanding volunteer team with a wide breadth and depth.  I am fully confident that they will keep the ARISS program running smoothly without missing a beat.”

 

AMSAT-NA President Barry Baines, WD4ASW, has tapped Will Marchant, KC6ROL, to become the next AMSAT Vice President for Human Spaceflight Programs and the AMSAT USA delegate of the ARISS International Working Group.  Barry Baines stated that “AMSAT is fortunate that we have a very capable leader in Will Marchant who is intimately familiar with ARISS, our extensive human spaceflight program, and is well respected internationally.”  Barry observed, “Frank’s leadership has left a significant mark on the overall ARISS program and the cooperative relationship between amateur radio, NASA and other governmental space agencies.   However, Frank also ensured that his team evolved to the point where the work that he pioneered will be carried on by those that he mentored and encouraged to take on greater responsibility.”

 

In his new role, Will Marchant will work with the other ARISS USA delegate, Rosalie White, K1STO, from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and the other ARISS International Delegates and the ISS Space Agencies to coordinate the development and operations of the amateur radio systems onboard the ISS.  Rosalie stated that “I look forward to working with Will in his new role.   He has provided outstanding leadership and support to ARISS from its very beginning, most recently as an Operations team leader.  And he helped pioneer the school group mentor role as part of the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX) program in the early 1990’s.”  She continued, “Frank will be missed tremendously. It is incredible how much volunteer time and effort he put into ARISS educational activities; it was easy to see it was his passion.” 

 

With Mr. Bauer stepping down from the ARISS International Chairman role, the ARISS International Vice Chair, Mr. Gaston Bertels, ON4WF will become the ARISS International Chairman effective immediately.  Mr. Bertels has been a leader of ARISS from its inception and serves as the Chairman of the ARISS-Europe team. Mr. Bertels has established a close relationship between ARISS and ESA, the European Space Agency. This resulted in the development and the installation of ARISS L- and S-band antennas on the nadir of Columbus, the European Space Laboratory.  Mr. Bertels also chairs the ARSPEX (Amateur Radio Space Exploration) working group of the International Amateur Radio Union, Region 1.  Mr. Bertels stated: "We can understand the reasons of Frank Bauer's resignation, but we also feel how difficult this decision has been.  Frank has inspired a worldwide group of passionate radio amateurs, working together to a common goal.  Now it is up to us to continue in the same direction and with the same spirit.  That's the best farewell present we can offer Frank".

 

Mr. Bauer’s departure today represents the culmination of over 25 years of leadership and support to amateur radio activities on human spaceflight vehicles, including NASA sponsored ham radio activities on the Shuttle, Space Station Mir, and the International Space Station.  Starting in 1983, he led the Goddard Amateur Radio Club team that provided around-the clock Space Shuttle retransmissions from the WA3NAN club station.  These retransmissions provided the international ham radio community up-to-the-minute information during the flight of Owen Garriott, W5LFL on STS-9 and subsequent SAREX flights.  These real-time bulletins and frequent orbital element updates could only be obtained through amateur radio in the days prior to the internet.  In 1991, AMSAT then President Bill Tynan, W3XO tapped Frank to be the AMSAT VP for Human Spaceflight, a position he has held until today. 

 

In 1996, when the International Space Station design development was well underway, NASA Headquarters Education Office executive Pam Bacon (Mountjoy) requested that the amateur radio community form a single, international team to provide one voice for all ham radio development and operations on the ISS.  The SAREX Working Group, led by Roy Neal, K6DUE, was tapped to turn this vision into reality.  In November 1996, Roy (ARRL), with the other SAREX working group members Frank Bauer, KA3HDO (NASA/AMSAT), Rosalie White K1STO (ARRL), and Matt Bordelon, KC5BTL, (NASA) organized a joint NASA-international amateur radio meeting at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.  This led to the formulation of the ARISS International Working Group of delegates representing Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia and the USA—and the rest is history. 

 

Since those austere beginnings, the ARISS team of volunteers has developed and deployed ham radio equipment that resides in three modules of the ISS---the Service Module, the FGB and the Columbus Module as well as having deployed a short duration satellite in a space suit called SuitSat-1/Radiosskaf/AO-54.  These systems enable the ARISS team to inspire over 15,000 students each year, encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through amateur radio communications with the ISS on-orbit crew.  It also introduces these students and millions from the worldwide general public to the fun, exciting, multi-faceted world of amateur radio.

 

The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), is an educational, not-for-profit corporation founded 40 years ago and is based in Silver Spring, MD.  Its primary objective is to foster Amateur Radio’s participation in space research, communications, and education through the development and operation of amateur radio satellites in space.  To date, there are over 60 amateur radio satellites that have been built by volunteers around the world and flown in space.

###

Mike Fincke, KE5AIT and Yuri Lonchakov, RA3DT

Expedition 18 - February 2009

 

ARISS Update--25th Anniversary of Ham Radio in Space, January 1

January 1, 2009

All,

Happy New Year!! 

The ARISS team hopes you are all enjoying the diverse amateur radio opportunities that have occurred on the ISS over the past several weeks.  We want to thank Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, for his outstanding support to the ISS Ham Radio community.  His efforts have been phenomenal!

This e-mail provides an update of the ARISS special event opportunities for the next two weeks.  As previously mentioned, the ARISS team is currently celebrating 25 years of amateur radio operations from space. 

This past week, the ISS Ham radio system was configured in the L/V crossband repeater mode.  This configuration will continue through to Saturday when a school contact is scheduled around 10:35 UTC.  After the school contact on Saturday January 3, it is our plans to have Mike Fincke reconfigure the radio to support V/U crossband repeater operations.  As a reminder, that configuration has a 145.99 MHz uplink frequency including PL tone of 67.0 and a 437.80 MHz downlink frequency.  All repeater operations are being performed in low power (5 W) mode.  It is our intent to keep the repeater active in this configuration for 2 weeks (through January 17).

We are also considering follow-on experimental operations of the 9600 baud packet radio system and the L/V crossband repeater.  Stay tuned for future updates. 

As a reminder, a special certificate is being developed for those who communicate with the ISS.  This certificate will be awarded to those that have had 2 way communications with the ISS on Voice, Packet (APRS), or through the voice repeater.  And those that have heard the ISS from space in any of the ARISS operations modes (Voice, SSTV, School Contact, Voice Repeater, Digital).  Valid dates to qualify for certificate:  November 30 to January 15.

To receive the certificate: 
A) Please note on your QSL the ARISS mode of operation (e.g. SSTV, voice, school, etc) and whether the contact with you was 1 way (receive only) or 2 way. 

B) Send your SASE to the normal ARISS QSL volunteer distributor in your area of the world. 
C) On the outside of the QSL envelope, please include the words "25th Anniversary Certificate" 
D) Make sure your envelope is big enough to accept an 8.5 by 11 inch certificate and includes the proper postage. 
E) Go to www.ariss.org if you do not know where to send your QSL and please use one of the standard international QSL distributors that are noted on the Web page. 

Important note:  We will be sending your certificate to the volunteer distributors in bulk AFTER the event is over.  (This saves workload and money).  So do not expect to see it until 1-2 months after the event closes on January 15. 

We would like to remind everyone that ISS flight requirements related to EVA and vehicle activity may require the radio to be off for some portion of this schedule. And school contacts and general QSO opportunities by the crew will also preempt this schedule for short periods of time.  (But remember that if you hear these, you still qualify for a commemorative certificate).

Continue to enjoy the ARISS ops on ISS in 2009! 

73,  Frank Bauer, KA3HDO
AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs
ARISS International Chairman

 

ARISS Update--25th Anniversary of Ham Radio in Space

December 14, 2008

 

All,

As I mentioned on November 29, the ARISS team is currently celebrating 25 years of amateur radio operations from space.  This e-mail describes some of the planned set of special event opportunities for the remainder of the month of December and the beginning of January. 

To date, the ISS crew has configured the radio to support cross-band repeater operations, they have supported some SSTV downlinks and we have had the opportunity to participate in a special test of 9600 baud packet radio operations on the simplex frequency of 145.825 MHz. 

This week through December 19, we expect the ISS Ham radio system to be on the 145.825 MHz frequency supporting 1200 baud packet.  If PCSAT is configured during the week, double hop APRS is possible.

Dec 21-26 we plan to support the Crossband repeater mode with a twist.  Our intent is to configure the radio for 145.99 MHz uplink including PL tone of 67.0 and 437.80 MHz down.  This will be performed in low power mode.  We should also note that an EVA is planned for that week.  Expedition 18 Commander Mike Fincke and Flight Engineer Yury Lonchakov plan to perform a spacewalk on December 22.  As per standard procedure, the ISS Ham radio system will be turned off for the EVA.

Dec 28-Jan 3 we plan to reconfigure the Crossband repeater for a special experiment.  This will be a test of our L-Band uplink capability, which, to
date, has not been proven out.  Plan for an uplink of 1269.65 MHz and and downlink on the standard frequency 145.80 MHz using low power.  Given the substantial cable losses of the L-band system, we hope some "big guns" are able to penetrate through, keep up with doppler, and make the connection.

A special certificate is being developed for those who communicate with the ISS.  This certificate will be awarded to those that have had 2 way communications with the ISS on Voice, Packet (APRS), or through the voice repeater.  And those that have heard the ISS from space in any of the ARISS
operations modes (Voice, SSTV, School Contact, Voice Repeater, Digital). Valid dates to qualify for certificate:  November 30 to January 15.

To receive the certificate: 


A) Please note on your QSL the ARISS mode of operation (e.g. SSTV, voice, school, etc) and whether the contact with you was 1 way (receive only) or 2 way. 
B) Send your SASE to the normal ARISS QSL volunteer distributor in your area of the world. 
C) On the outside of the QSL envelope, please include the words "25th Anniversary Certificate" 
D) Make sure your envelope is big enough to accept an 8.5 by 11 inch certificate and includes the proper postage. 
E) Go to www.ariss.org if you do not know where to send your QSL and please use one of the standard international QSL distributors that are noted on the Web page. 

Important note:  We will be sending your certificate to the volunteer distributors in bulk AFTER the event is over.  (This saves workload and money).  So do not expect to see it until 1-2 months after the event closes on January 15. 

We will provide more updates in the near future.  We would like to remind everyone that ISS flight requirements related to EVA and vehicle activity may require the radio to be off for some portion of this schedule. And school contacts and general QSO opportunities by the crew will also preempt this schedule for short periods of time.  (But remember that if you hear these, you still qualify for a commemorative certificate).

Enjoy the ARISS ops on ISS! 

73,  Frank Bauer, KA3HDO
AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs
ARISS International Chairman
 

 

ARISS Queries--Answered

December 9, 2008

All,

The ARISS team has had a number of queries on several topics.  It is hoped that this e-mail will answer these for you.

1)  25th Anniversary of Ham in Space Special Event Certificate---Many have asked how to receive the special certificate and what qualifies you for the certificate. 

Qualification:  Those that have had 2 way communications with the ISS on Voice, Packet (APRS), or through the voice repeater.  And those that have heard the ISS from space in any of the ARISS operations modes (Voice, SSTV, School Contact, Voice Repeater, Digital).  Valid dates to qualify for certificate:  November 30 to January 15.

Receiving the Certificate: 
A) Please note on your QSL the ARISS mode of operation (e.g. SSTV, voice, school, etc) and whether the contact with you was 1 way (receive only) or 2 way. 

B) Send your SASE to the normal ARISS QSL volunteer distributor in your area of the world. 
C) On the outside of the QSL envelope, please include the words "25th Anniversary Certificate" 
D) Make sure your envelope is big enough to accept an 8.5 by 11 inch certificate and includes the proper postage. 
E) Go to www.ariss.org if you do not know where to send your QSL and please use one of the standard international QSL distributors that are noted on the Web page. 

Important note:  We will be sending your certificate to the volunteer distributors in bulk AFTER the event is over.  (This saves workload and money).  So do not expect to see it until 1-2 months after the event closes on January 15. 

2)  Richard Garriott QSL Card---there have been several queries about the final results of Richard Garriott's flight and how the QSL cards will be handled.

QSO Results:  Richard made over 500 voice QSOs during his flight, clearly more than any single ham has made on-orbit during a short duration mission.  And he sent down about 1000 SSTV images during his flight.

QSL Card:  Those that had a QSO with Richard can receive an ARISS QSL card using the normal ARISS process.  (See www.ariss.org).  Richard Garriott is also planning a personal card which is in development.  Once it is developed, they will be shipped to the ARISS international QSL distribution volunteers for distribution.  The current plan is that those that have already sent in for an ARISS QSL card will also get a Richard Garriott personal card once it is available.  If you made a contact with Richard, have not sent in your QSL, and would like Richard's personal QSL card, please stand by for QSL distribution instructions until the QSL card is ready.  The distribution of this special QSL will parallel how we are distributing the 25th Anniversary Certificate.

3)  SSTV Operations Web Site---The ARISS team appreciated the special web page support from UC Berkeley.  They allowed us to use their server to support SSTV operations during the Richard Garriott's flight.  This was a temporary solution.  The web site is currently down while we move the web pages from the Berkeley site to the AMSAT server.  This should be completed in the next few days.  You will see a follow-on e-mail with details on connecting up to the SSTV Operations server.  We thank you for your patience.

On behalf of the ARISS International team of volunteers, I thank you all for your interest and participation in the ARISS Program.

73,  Frank Bauer, KA3HDO
AMSAT V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs
ARISS International Chairman

 

 

ARISS Commemorative Event--25th Anniversary of Ham Radio in Space

November 29, 2008

All,

Twenty-five years ago this week, Owen Garriott, W5LFL, made history by being the first amateur radio operator to talk to hams from space.  Owen's historic flight on the STS-9 Space Shuttle Columbia mission was launched on November 28 and landed on December 8, 1983.  Owen's ham radio adventure on STS-9 ushered in a host of outstanding outreach activities that continue today with the ARISS program. 

Many will recall that first set of contacts and downlinks with Owen.  Those first contacts allowed each of us to share the excitement of space exploration through Owen's first-hand eyewitness accounts.  Owen's ham radio legacy enabled space travelers that have flown on the Space Shuttle, the Space Station Mir and now the International Space Station to share their journey of exploration.  And Owen's son Richard, W5KWQ just a month ago carried the torch further to become the first 2nd generation amateur rdaio operator to talk to hams from space.  What other hobby, except amateur radio, could or would open the communications lines of space travelers beyond that of the space agencies or international heads of state??

To celebrate our 25 years of amateur radio operations from space, the ARISS team has planned a set of special event opportunities during the month of December and part of January.  A special certificate is being developed for those who communicate with the ISS, either 2-way direct (with the ISS crew, the digipeater, or cross band repeater), or 1-way reception of SSTV or voice downlink.  Several events will be described here with several "surprises" planned over the month-long celebration.  The surprises will be announced once we are prepositioned to accomplish them.

Specifically, the following is being planned in the near-term:

---December 1-5--in addition to school contacts and APRS digi operations, we plan to configure the radio system for cross band repeater operations.  This will utilize the standard U/V operations in low power mode.

---December 7-12 we will run a test of 9600 baud packet operations on the simplex frequency 145.825 MHz.
---Given that PCSAT should be in full sun starting December 9, December 14-19 we will switch to 1200 baud packet on 145.825 to support double hop opportunities.

---And at times, especially during the weekends, you might see some SSTV operations if the crew is available.

We will provide more updates in the near future.  We would like to remind everyone that ISS flight requirements related to EVA and vehicle activity may require the radio to be off for some portion of this schedule. And school contacts and general QSO opportunities by the crew will also preempt this schedule for short periods of time.  (But remember that if you hear these, you still qualify for a commemorative certificate).

In the meantime, enjoy the ARISS ops on ISS!  And congratulations to Owen Garriott, W5LFL, on the 25th anniversary of his historic flight!!

73,  Frank Bauer, KA3HDO
AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs
ARISS International Chairman

 

ARISS Cafe Press Opportunity

September 26, 2008

The ARISS team is pleased to announce the availability of ARISS logo items through the http://www.cafepress.com/ariss online store.

The ARISS logo is being made available as a courtesy to the members of the amateur radio community for personal use.  Persons wishing to market items with the ARISS logo need to contact the ARISS Secretary Treasurer, Rosalie White, at k1sto@arrl.org to receive permission.

 

AMSAT-NA receives 10% from sales through this store.  These funds will be used to support the ARISS team activities.  Neither ARISS nor AMSAT have any control over items ordered, or returns, through Café Press. 

 

 

 

 

 

Previous ISS Expedition 25 Crew (Exp 25 began with the Soyuz TMA-18 undocking on September 24, 2010.)

(Launch June 15, 2010, Landed - November 25, 2010)

Commander Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC

Flight Engineer Fyodor Yurchikhin, RN3FI

Flight Engineer Shannon Walker, KD5DXB

 

(Launch October 7, 2010, Landing - March 2011)

Flight Engineer Alexander Kaleri, U8MIR

Flight Engineer Scott Kelly

Flight Engineer Oleg Skripochka, RN3FU

 

Current ISS Expedition 26 Crew (Exp 26 begins with the Soyuz TMA-19 undocking on November 25, 2010.)

(Launch October 7, 2010, Landing - March 2011)

Commander Scott Kelly

Flight Engineer Alexander Kaleri, U8MIR

Flight Engineer Oleg Skripochka, RN3FU

 

(Launch December 15, 2010, Landing - May 2011)

Flight Engineer Dmitri Kondratyev

Flight Engineer Catherine Coleman, KC5ZTH

Flight Engineer Paolo Nespoli, IZ0JPA

 

Upcoming ISS Expedition 27 Crew (Exp 27 begins with the Soyuz TMA-01M undocking in March 2011)

(Launch December 15, 2010, Landing - May 2011)

Commander Dmitri Kondratyev

Flight Engineer Catherine Coleman, KC5ZTH

Flight Engineer Paolo Nespoli, IZ0JPA

 

(Launch March 30, 2011, Landing - September 2011)

Flight Engineer Alexander Samokutyaev

Flight Engineer Andrey Borisenko

Flight Engineer Ronald Garan, KF5GPO

 

More Information about Russian amateurs in the space program

In Russia there are four classes of  radio amateurs. The highest is first class. Their call sign has 5 characters.
Sergey Samburov RV3DR
Sergei Treschev RZ3FU
Valeri Korzun RZ3FK
Fyodor Yurchikhin RN3FI
Yury Lonchakov RA3DT
Nikolai Budarin RV3FB
Alexsandr Kaleri U8MIR
Sergey N Revin RN3BS
Michail B Kornienko RN3BF
Oleg D. Kononenko RN3DX
Gennady I. Padalka RN3DT

For Second Class licences the call sign has 6 characters.
Yuri Malenchenko RK3DUP

The lowest class allows the operator to carry out conversations from a board the ISS in VHF/UHF only .

The following cosmonauts use the shared radio station RS0ISS which has a first class license (based on  the chief of the station (RV3DR)).

Sergey Zalyotin (op. RS0ISS)
Valery Tokarev (op.RS0ISS)
Salizhan S. Sharipov (op.RS0ISS)

The call sign of the PMS mailbox RS0ISS-1
Server space and maintenance of the official ARISS English language web pages are provided free of charge by 

Radio Amateurs of Canada

Send comments or questions to: C Jackson