 Pupils
use amateur radio to chat with spacemen
On Wednesday 9 November 2005 at 17:47hrs, students from Furtherwick
Park School Canvey Island, Essex were able to chat with astronauts
orbiting the earth onboard the International Space Station, thanks
to South Essex Amateur Radio Society, Carlos Eavis of the R.S.G.B
and Howard Long of ARISS/AMSAT-UK.
The pupils used amateur radio equipment to ask the astronauts questions
as they passed 250 miles above the earth travelling at 17500mph.
18 students asked the questions. We had received a special request
from Mustapha Landoulsi to accept a question from Tunisia. Their
question was the best from amateur radio club stations in Tunisia
and was read out by a Furtherwick Park Pupil. The World summit on
the Information Society will take place in Tunis 16-18 November
2005.
Dave Speechley G4UVJ Chairman of S.E.A.R.S said the students of
Furtherwick Park School really enjoyed it, the School hall was packed,
and the event was covered by all the local Media and BBC Essex Radio.
A great day was had by all, it’s not everyday you get a chance
to speak to someone orbiting the earth.
There was a bit of a fright between Question 11 and 12 when Bill
McAthur jumped frequency but it turned out ok in the end. A great
contact.
The School intends to keep the concept of space in their science
education lessons.
The Radio Society of Great Britain's GB4FUN communications and
demonstration vehicle also attended the event, providing a full
backup station.
Pictures from the event and an audio recording can be downloaded
from the Club Web Site www.southessex.ars.btinternet.co.uk
73.. Dave Speechley G4UVJ
Chairman of S.E.A.R.S
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