Very well-put David ... and congratulations on your contact!

Like others who've posted to this board in recent days, I've used the Heavens Above Web site for years to know when and where to look for visible passes of the ISS. Looking where HA tells me to and seeing a speck of light materialize out of the darkness of space never gets old here.

I woke up this morning 4 minutes before the 11:01 UTC pass of the ISS, so there wasn't much time to prepare. I threw some clothes on, grabbed my HT and Elk antenna and walked out the front door just in time to see that speck of light materialize out of the starting-to-lighten sky to my south-southwest. But this visible pass was different for me, and a first - I got to hear someone on the ISS talking to other hams!

I listened to Richard work Mark, N8MH, and Pete, WB2OQQ, as I watched his "ride" hurtling toward the northeastern horizon. I threw my call out a few times using 5 watts into the Elk - kinda like using a BB gun on Godzilla, I thought in the moment. But it didn't matter.

I'm a writer by training and experience, but I can't find words to describe the feeling I enjoyed during those few minutes. I am thrilled for everyone who has made it to NA1SS over the past week, and committed to trying here until I know he is off the ISS and on his way home. He'll hear me if he's supposed to. If not, I won't feel any less privileged to have heard him work so many passes and recorded a few of the SSTV images he's transmitted.

Like so many others, I heard his Dad 25 years ago. And, truly, the memory of that lone pass is what brought me back to amateur radio and - specifically - to amateur radio in orbit (e.g., the satellites and the ISS) after so many years of inactivity. I join David in thanking Richard and everyone involved. I hope the licensed hms who spend more time on the ISS than Richard will choose to be active as their schedules permit - and that those responsible for the schedules will keep these past 8-10 days in mind.

73 to all,

Tim - N3TL AMSAT Member No. 36820 Athens, Ga. - EM84ha -------------- Original message from "David Barber" david.barber@dbelectronics.co.uk: --------------

All,

I'm speaking for myself here but I hope some of the sentiments expressed below will be felt by you all.

I'm sure when Richard leaves for home on the 23rd it will be too soon for many Amateurs around the world who have enjoyed his boundless exuberance during his stay on the ISS.

Richard's (and the support teams) contribution has been immense. His QSOs have been carried out succinctly and with professionalism, his voice filled with contagious enthusiasm.

The SSTV has been a triumph again due to the unstinting dedication of Richard and his support team.

As one of those who enjoyed the privilege of a QSO with Richard and the receipt of some 40+ SSTV pictures I would like to publicly thank him and the team for what has been a superbly enjoyable period of unprecedented activity.

Absolutely Brilliant - Thank You All.

Regards

David G8OQW

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