The International Space Station

Upcoming ARISS contact with Summer Playground Camp, New Providence, NJ

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Borough of New Providence, NJ, Summer Playground Camp, New Providence, NJ on 30 July.

The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 17:24 UTC.The contact will be direct between NA1SS and N2XJ. The contact should be audible over the eastern U.S. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English.

The New Providence NJ Summer Playground Camp is operated by the Town Recreation Department. It is for elementary school age children, and most of them are in the 3rd to 5th grade. It is purely a "fun program" with lots of athletic events and outdoor arts and crafts programs.

The "Ham Radio at Summer Camp" program, run by the New Providence Amateur Radio Club, is the only educational enrichment part of the camp program. About 100 children participate in the camp. Of those involved as communicators in the ARISS QSO, several have expressed a real interest in Ham Radio, but all of them are looking forward to speaking with a "Real Astronaut."

We expect many of our elected officials to be present at the QSO. I have been informed that the Mayor and many Town Council members will be there. I have also been informed that one of our NJ State Senators will be present.
In addition I have received a very complimentary letter from the Governor of New Jersey and am awaiting letters from Senator Lautenberg and Senator Menendez of New Jersey.

Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows:

1. How many astronauts are in the space station now? Is it crowded?
2. What inspired you to become an astronaut?
3. Can you see any planets or stars? If so can you identify them?
4. Have you seen any other vehicles in space while you are on the ISS?
5. Do you have a particular job on the space station?

6. Are there any animal or plant experiments on the ISS?
7. Have you done a space walk yet? Will you do one?
8. How long does it take to put on your space suit?
9. Have you been able to see the aurora from the ISS?
10. Have you made any regular Ham Radio contacts while you are in space?

11. As a girl, what should I study in college to become an astronaut?
12. If you get a chance to go to Mars, will you go?
13. If you go to the moon, would you look for the footprints of Neil Armstrong?
14. Is there a lady astronaut on the ISS with you?
15. I've heard that some astronauts prefer spicy food in space. Do you have the same experience?

16. What is your favorite dehydrated food?
17. What do you do for fun on the space station?
18. Can you take a bath or shower in the space station?
19. What is the best thing about being on the space station?
20. Are you friends with other astronauts when you are on earth?

Information about the upcoming ARISS contacts can be found at http://www.ariss.org/upcoming.htm#NextContact.

Next planned event(s):

1. United Space School, Seabrook, Texas Wed, 5 August 09, 13:47 UTC

ARISS is an international educational outreach program partnering the participating space agencies, NASA, Russian Space Agency, ESA, CNES, JAXA, and CSA, with the AMSAT and IARU organizations from participating countries.

ARISS offers an opportunity for students to experience the excitement of Amateur Radio by talking directly with crewmembers on-board the International Space Station.

Teachers, parents and communities see, first hand, how Amateur Radio and crewmembers on ISS can energize youngsters' interest in science, technology, and learning.

Further information on the ARISS program is available on the website http://www.ariss.org/ (graciously hosted by the Radio Amateurs of Canada).

Thank you & 73,

David - AA4KN