Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Status Report 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.h...
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/