Into space with Amateur Radio

Every year, the 4th - 10th of October is set aside for World Space Week, a celebration of space activity to acquaint the youth with the importance of space in our daily lives.

The theme for World Space Week 2008 is 'Exploring the Universe'. This theme encourages participants to reflect on space as the next frontier. Exploration can take many forms, from scientific discovery to human colonisation.

Amateur Radio has a proud space tradition with the first amateur satellite launched only 3 years after the Russian Sputnik 1.

The South African Radio League (SARL) and the Southern Africa Amateur Radio Satellite Association (SA AMSAT) have joined forces with the South African Amateur Radio Development Trust to provide opportunities for South African youth to get involved in World Space Week activities.

By setting up amateur radio stations at various schools around South Africa, the main thrust will be a national link-up and an opportunity to engage with people who have already been in space. To qualify and to be selected for the event learners have to take part in an essay competition.

Learners under the age of 18 are invited to write an essay on "Man's habitation of the moon: can Amateur Radio play a role?"

Amateur Radio gave Radio to the world as its first global communication system; can it also play a role in the habitation of the moon?

By writing an essay of between 500 and 1 000 words entrants enter into the draw to take part in the national amateur radio link-up. In addition every entrant will compete for one of many prizes which include:

The writer of the most creative and insightful essay will win a state of the art Acer Aspire One notebook computer. The Aspire One is more than just another ultra-mobile notebook: it's an all-new communication device designed to deliver continuous access to the internet and a simplified wireless experience. Read more about the prize on www.amateurradio.org.za.

Other prizes include Norton 360 and Smartphone security software from Symantec, plus a number of radio constructions kits, including lightning predictor and 40 metre direct conversion receiver kits.

Every entrant will receive a colourful certificate marking their participation in the International Space Week.

Visit www.amateurradio.org.za for details as they become available.

The South African Radio League