On Saturday, 4 April, I was working the amateur radio station at the Canada Science and Technology Museum. As is usual, the International Space Station passed overhead and because I knew there was a tourist up there (Dr. Charles Simonyi) who was also a radio amateur, I thought I'd give a call and see if he was answering.
He did call, and I got to say hello. I also put him on speakers and he greeted the museum visitors.
Well, today I got the confirmation cards for that contact:
It is very cool to be able to talk to people in space. And it's worth noting that it's not a black art... anyone can do it. It requires an amateur radio licence (pass a basic exam on electronics and regulations with a mark of 70% or better and pay a $60, one-time fee... no morse code has been required for many years), and about $200ish of equipment. You don't even need a program to track the space station or other satellite as you can look up the positions on the web on such sites as Heavens Above.
The astronauts on the space station have been very supportive of ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station). It's ARISS that sets up the contacts between students/youth groups and the space station such as the one that took place out in the west end recently.
If you're interested in taking up amateur radio, feel free to contact me or explore the Radio Amateurs of Canada site, or the Ottawa Valley Mobile Radio Club site.
If you're in Ottawa, and maybe want to try a satellite contact or maybe even get a lucky chance to contact the space station, drop by the Canada Science and Technology Museum's amateur radio exhibit!
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