ARISS observes SuitSat-1 anniversary

In marking the 2nd anniversary of the deployment of SuitSat-1/Radioskaf/AO-54 from the ISS this week, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, ARISS International Chairman, and AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Space-flight Programs said,
"I want to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers around the world that supported the SuitSat-1 development, deployment, public outreach and ground station reception." Frank said the SuitSat certificates have been mailed as of this past week.

2008 brings new opportunities to you, the hams interested in ARISS, which includes:

• Plans to commemorate the 25th anniversary of human spaceflight ham radio operation - the flight of Owen Garriott, W5LFL on the space shuttle Columbia, STS-9 in 1983.

• A team of dedicated amateur radio operators is working to bring SuitSat-2 to reality. At this point in time, it is not clear when it will be deployed, but we are working feverishly to have it ready for deployment before the end of the year.

• We expect to have significant ARISS crew amateur radio participation starting in the October 2008 timeframe with the launch of the Expedition 18 crew and Soyuz taxi flight.

Frank wraps up with, "I thank all of you for your interest in ARISS. This program is truly inspirational for students, the ham radio community, and the communities surrounding the schools that have been touched by the 334 (to date) school contacts conducted since December 2001."

Source: Amsat News