University of Presov to Make Radio Contact with ISS Crew

Presov, January 5 (TASR) - The University of Presov (PU) in collaboration with primary and secondary schools from the Presov and Kosice regions will make radio contact with the crew of the International Space Station (ISS) during the science-popularisation event, Day in Space, at the end of January, TASR has learnt from the university spokeswoman Maria Dudova-Basistova. In real time, technical specialists - radio amateurs - together with children from the Presov and Kosice regions will communicate directly with the crew in space, made possible thanks to a sophisticated system and an antenna placed on the university building, which will allow the connection at the time of the crew's overflight at the closest possible distance from our territory. "This is a historic moment not only for the university, but also for the entire amateur radio community. We are glad that the cooperation between the university and local schools has made this popularisation idea possible," said project coordinator Matus Nemec. In addition to the university and local schools, two radio clubs are also involved in the project and will cover the technical support for the contact. The initiative was made possible through a call from the ARISS (Amateur Radio on International Space Station) organisation. ARISS inspires students around the world to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through opportunities for amateur radio communication with the ISS crew in orbit. Students learn about life aboard the ISS and explore Earth from space through science and math activities. lin/mcs/ko