Man with odd antenna outside receives unexpected call minutes later.
Ham Radio Enthusiast Makes Contact with International Space Station
Ham radio enthusiasts, some say, are a different breed. While many people spend their free time reading or watching TV, ham radio operators get a kick out of talking on their radios to strangers across the nation — or even across the globe. Some have even managed to traverse the final frontier by calling the International Space Station.
One such “ham,” as the operators are affectionately called, posted a video of himself on YouTube over the summer making the ultimate long-distance call. With a large antenna in one hand and a radio in the other, Doug looked up at the sky and repeated the same phrase, over and over.
“NA1SS, NA1SS, Kilo Bravo Eight Mike.”
Finally, a voice responded over the radio. “Kilo Bravo Eight Mike, NA1SS — [static] you loud and clear aboard the space station. Welcome aboard.”
A delighted Doug radioed right back: “Thank you much, 73.”
According to the ham radio site WRTC2014.org, this is perhaps the most prestigious contact a ham operator can make. Most of those on board the ISS are licensed amateur hams in their home countries.
Ham radio also provides a contingency communications system for NASA and the ISS, according to the organization’s website.
But you don’t have to be a kid to get excited about talking to astronauts orbiting the earth, as Doug’s YouTube video proved. “Over the Memorial Day weekend, I finally made that contact,” he wrote to his followers. “I made contact with the ISS and talked to [U.S. astronaut] Woody Hoburg. What a thrill.”
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The post Man Stands Outside with a Strange Antenna and Repeats This Phrase - Minutes Later He Gets a Call Nobody Expected appeared first on The Western Journal.
How does the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program enable communication between ham radio operators and astronauts aboard the ISS?
Eatedly called out to the International Space Station. To his surprise, he received a response.
In the video, Doug’s excitement was palpable as he spoke to an astronaut aboard the ISS. He asked about daily life in space, the experiments they were conducting, and even managed to exchange a few personal anecdotes. The conversation was brief but memorable, leaving Doug with a sense of awe and accomplishment.
Ham radio, short for amateur radio, has been around for over a century. It is a form of communication that allows individuals to communicate wirelessly with each other using designated radio frequency bands. While many people use smartphones and the internet to connect with others, ham radio enthusiasts enjoy the challenge and thrill of using radio waves to establish connections.
For years, ham operators have been able to communicate with one another from various locations using their radios and a network of repeaters. However, reaching out to the International Space Station takes amateur radio to another level. It requires not only technical expertise but also patience, as the station orbits the Earth at a speed of approximately 28,000 kilometers per hour.
The ability to contact the ISS through amateur radio is made possible by a system called the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). This program allows licensed amateur radio operators to establish brief communications with the astronauts aboard the ISS using specially designed radios and antennas.
Doug’s successful contact with the International Space Station is a testament to the power and potential of ham radio. It shows how a hobby can bridge the gap between people on Earth and those in space, fostering a sense of connection and wonder.
In addition to the excitement of making contact with astronauts, ham radio enthusiasts also contribute to scientific research. ARISS offers opportunities for students to engage in educational activities by facilitating contact between schools and the space station. Through these interactions, students can ask questions, learn about space exploration, and develop an interest in science and technology.
Ham radio enthusiasts like Doug are part of a community that cherishes the art of communication and exploration. The thrill of making connections across vast distances, be it here on Earth or in outer space, fuels their passion for this hobby. Their dedication and love for ham radio continue to inspire others to explore the world of amateur radio.
So, the next time you see a ham radio operator engrossed in a conversation or passionately tinkering with their equipment, remember the unique world they inhabit. They are the ones who can reach out and touch the stars, bridging the gap between humanity and the heavens above.
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