ISS Fan Club

1. Upcoming School Contacts
Shanghai Youth Centre of Science and Technology Education in Xuhui, Shanghai, China has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Tuesday, April 1 at 08:10 UTC. The Centre is an after school educational facility that educates teenagers in science and technology. It has its own radio club, callsign BY4AY, which focuses on educating students in science and radio communications and in fabricating electronic toys.

An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled with Osnovna skola Pazin in Pazin, Croatia on Monday, April 7 at 14:52 UTC. Eight hundred students are enrolled at the school which has offered technical classes in robotics, electronics and computer science for the past ten years. Students from Pazin’s two high schools are also expected to attend this event. The schools hope to pique the students’ interest in space and electronics through this educational activity.

2. Kodomo Contact Successful
Youth from the Kodomo Support Project in Kyoto, Japan participated in a successful Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Wednesday, March 26. One hundred thirty parents and community members watched as eighteen children asked astronaut Garrett Reisman, KE5HAE, twenty questions before the ISS went over the horizon. Three television stations, including NHK, the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, and seven newspapers covered the event. To view a video of the contact, go to: http://www.ariss.jp/kyoto/Kyoto.wmv

3. Shukor Crew Debrief Held
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) crew debrief was held on Tuesday, March 25. Spaceflight participant Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 9W2MUS provided the team with feedback on his experience with ARISS contacts while onboard the ISS.

4. Articles Cover Upcoming Garriott Activities
Articles have been posted covering the educational activities that Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, has planned while onboard the International Space Station. These activities include contacting children at the Challenger Learning Centers and taking part in amateur radio contacts. Prior to flight, children can take part in a contest creating a design for a patch. Spaceref.com and the Challenger Center articles may be viewed here: http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=25010 http://www.challenger.org/programs/garriottdownlinks.cfm

5. Astronaut Training Status
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) training session has been planned for astronauts Bob Thirsk, VA3CSA, and Chris Hadfield, KC5RNJ/VA3OOG, on Thursday, April 17. Thirsk is a scheduled crew member on Expedition 19; Hadfield is his back-up.

Source ARISS Weekly Status