A Russian stamp depicting Sputnik 1's launch in 1957

Into Space with Amateur Radio

Learners in South Africa under the age of 18 are invited to participate in a special project to celebrate 50 years of man's endeavours in space. In October, it will be 50 years ago that the first satellite, Sputnik 1, was launched by the Russians.

To celebrate the event several joint activities have been planned by the SARL, SA AMSAT and the South African Amateur Radio Development Trust.

The youth event is called 'Into Space with Amateur Radio' and features the following:

• A state of the art laptop to be won;
• 10 learners will win a SARL 40 Metre DC Receiver kit;
• 30 Learners will get an opportunity to speak with South Africa's first astronaut, Mark Shuttleworth via Amateur Radio on 10 October 2007 and ask questions about Mark's experiences in space.
• Every participant will receive a certificate to commemorate the event

There are two categories of entry

• School Group entry
• Individual entry

Both categories require the participant to write an essay about 'The future of Space in support of mankind'.
The essay must be the original work of the learner and be between 400 and 600 words.

Full details are available on the sponsoring organisations' web pages : www.sarl.org.za, www.amsatsa.org.za and www.amateurradio.org.za

Only 10 schools will be able to participate and must be in reach of the following repeaters in Greater Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Gauteng.

Schools must send their requests to register before 5th September to youth@sarl.org.za.

The closing date for essays entries is 25th September 2007