FYI- This is an updated link to the ARISS Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amateur-Radio-on-the-International-Space-Stati...
----- Original Message ----- From: Carol Jackson To: [email protected] Sent: Monday, October 11, 2010 7:29 PM Subject: 2010-10-11 ARISS Status
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Status Report October 11, 2010
1. Upcoming School Contact
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for George Observatory in Needville, Texas on Saturday, October 16 at 17:03 UTC via telebridge station WH6PN in Hawaii. Astronomy Day is put on each year by all the Astronomy clubs in the greater Houston Area in conjunction with the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The event is held at the George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park and draws 4000 attendees annually. The event aims at increasing the community's interest in Astronomy and Science. In addition to the astronomy and space lessons that are planned, a display table will be set up all day specifically for ham radio information. Scout troops will have an amateur radio station set up near the observatory and will conduct their all-day Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) radio contacts, working on the Radio Merit Badge that includes some lessons on basic electricity. The Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club will assist with these JOTA activities.
2. IRSEA Contact Successful
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact took place between IRSEA, a non-profit Institute of Research and Education, in Bisceglie, Italy and Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC on the ISS on Tuesday, October 5, via telebridge station K6DUE in Greenbelt, Maryland. Michele Mallardi, IZ7EVR introduced the ARISS event with a presentation to an audience of 100 students and visitors. Obscurations from the ISS structure may have hindered the contact, allowing time for five questions to be answered. The contact was part of a professional education program, "Promotion of the characteristics of the Puglia region" which dealt with space communications, space life, space achievements, advantage of space research, use of man-made satellites and the International Space Station.
3. ARISSat-1 Safety Review this Week
The Johnson Space Center Payload Safety Review Panel will perform a Phase 2 flight safety review of ARISSat-1 on the mornings of Wednesday and Thursday, October 13 and 14 in Houston. Participation in the review will include U.S. and Russian ARISSat team members as well as RSC-Energia safety specialists.
4. Challenger Learning Center Opens Ham Station
On Monday October 4, a satellite ground station was opened at the Challenger Learning Center (CLC) in Oregon, Ohio. The station will pique students' interest in math and science and will allow the youth to contact the International Space Station. CLC will provide lesson plans and activities on amateur radio and will use the system during camps and workshops. The Toldeo Blade posted a story on the event. "Kids wired to learn to operate ham radios" may be found at: http://www.toledoblade.com/article/20101009/NEWS16/10080352
5. ARISS Facebook Page Status
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has generated some interest since it launched its Facebook page at the end of August. To view, go to: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amateur-Radio-on-the-International-Space-Stati...