Investigator Science Centre / ISS linkup

An excellent linkup between the Investigator Science Centre
in Adelaide and astronaut Mike Fincke on the ISS took place
recently.

Fifteen enthusiastic students from the Kilburn Primary School were guests at the Science Centre with questions ready to ask Mike as he came into range of the ARISS telebridge station in Honolulu operated by Nancy WH6PN.
The contact was 'bridged through to Australia from Honolulu
through the courtesy of MCI.

Thirteen of the students questions where answered in detail by Mike before he passed below the horizon in Honolulu.

In response to Jeffrey's question regarding experiments on board, Mike told him that they where at present using an ultrasound machine to check out their bodies for any changes that may have occurred through living in a micro gravity environment for nearly six months.

He also told Danni that he was looking forward to returning to Earth shortly to see his baby daughter for the first time, she was born while he was on the ISS.

The is a South Australian not-for-profit centre committed to creating a passion for science, technology and engineering among young people. On this occasion the guest school was the Kilburn Primary School with an enrolment of approximately 130 students. About 20% of the students are Aboriginal and 25% are from non-English speaking backgrounds.

The media covered the event who asked one student after if he would like to become an astronaut; his answer was he wanted to play Australian Rules football for Port Power.

Nancy, WH6PN in Honolulu operating the ground station did a fine job, as did Will, KC6ROL for moderating the contact, and John, WD5EEV for setting it up. Tony, VK5ZAI along with staff handled the setting up at the Investigator Science Centre.

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