ARISS News Release                                            No. 23-51

ARISS Contact is Scheduled with Students at Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

October 4, 2023—Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has received schedule confirmation for an ARISS radio contact between an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and students at the Technological University in Dublin, Ireland.  ARISS conducts 60-80 of these special amateur radio contacts each year between students around the globe and crew members with ham radio licenses aboard the ISS.
 
Technological University Dublin is a large technological university with more than 28,000 students across its five campuses. TU Dublin is a leader in STEM disciplines (with 18% of their students enrolled in STEM and 25% in apprenticeships) and also provides studies in business, media, culinary arts, and the creative and performing arts. In 2022, TU Dublin provided 300 students between the ages of 8 and 11 years the opportunity to participate in a special STEM program, composed of five, space-themed workshops (STEM Try Five program). The school also collaborated with Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies, the Dunsink Observatory and the Irish Rocketry Association in order to provide a series of space-centered student activities. With this ARISS contact, the school also hopes to rejuvenate the hobby of radio experimentation, to highlight the relevance of radio communication and its very important applications in  day-to-day life. Members of two amateur radio organizations, North Dublin Radio, and the Irish Radio Transmitter Society, are supporting the school for this ARISS contact by providing technical expertise, equipment, and ham radio activities.
 
This will be a direct contact via Amateur Radio allowing students to ask their questions of Astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, amateur radio call sign KI5WSL. The downlink frequency for this contact is 145.800 MHz and may be heard by listeners that are within the ISS-footprint that also encompasses the relay ground station.
 
The amateur radio ground station for this contact is in Dublin, Ireland. Amateur radio operators using call sign EI1ISS, will operate the ground station to establish and maintain the ISS connection.
 
The ARISS radio contact is scheduled for October 6, 2023 at 2:11:32 pm IST (Ireland) (13:11:32 UTC, 9:11 am EDT, 8:11 am CDT, 7:11 am MDT, 6:11 am PDT).
 
The public is invited to watch the live stream at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E8wZd2gBoo
_______________________________
 
As time allows, students will ask these questions:
1. How long does it take to train to become an astronaut?
2. How does it feel to take off into space?
3. How do you contact your family?
4. Does the International Space Station break down often?
5. Do you feel stress or anxiety when you are in outer space?
6. How do you know when it is morning and night time?
7. Do you dream differently in space?
8. How does returning from space affect your body?
9. How do you get a haircut in space?
10. What skills do you need to go into space?
11. How do you keep your food fresh?
12. Is it difficult to move in zero gravity?
13. What is the scariest part of being an astronaut?
14. Could you bring your pet with you to the Space Station?
15. Is it difficult to wear your space suit?
16. What made you want to become an astronaut?
17. What is, in your opinion, the best and worst food on the space station?
18. What do you do in your free time?
19. During launch, where does the first stage end up?
20. How long does a typical EVA last?

ARISS News Release                                                                   No. 23-50

ARISS Contact is Scheduled with Students at 149 Secondary School, Baku, Azerbaijan

October 4, 2023—Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has received schedule confirmation for an ARISS radio contact between an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and students at the 149 Secondary School located in Baku, Azerbaijan.  ARISS conducts 60-80 of these special amateur radio contacts each year between students around the globe and crew members with ham radio licenses aboard the ISS.
 
The Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azercosmos, is sponsoring this ARISS contact. Participants will include secondary students at №149 and students from nearby schools, in grades 8 through 11. This ARISS contact coincides with two major space events - the International Astronautical Congress in Baku in October 2023 and the annual celebration of World Space Week in early October 2023. Students at №149 have also been participating in regional competitions in the category of exact and technical sciences demonstrating their scientific curiosity and interest in STEAM studies.
 
HAM operators from the Azerbaijan Central Radio Club (4K0HQ) and the Ganja Collective Radio Club (4K2GG) are supporting the school during this ARISS contact.
 
This will be a direct contact via Amateur Radio allowing students to ask their questions of Astronaut Andreas Mogensen, amateur radio call sign KG5GCZ. The downlink frequency for this contact is 145.800 MHz and may be heard by listeners that are within the ISS-footprint that also encompasses the relay ground station.
 
The amateur radio ground station for this contact is in Baku, Azerbaijan. Amateur radio operators using call sign 4K6EH, will operate the ground station to establish and maintain the ISS connection.
 
The ARISS radio contact is scheduled for October 6, 2023 at 12:29 pm AZT (Azerbaijan) (8:29:20 UTC, 4:29 am EDT, 3:29 am CDT, 2:29 am MDT, 1:29 am PDT).
_______________________________
 
As time allows, students will ask these questions:
1. How do astronauts stay physically and mentally healthy on the ISS?
2. What experiments are you working on aboard the ISS?
3. What's the biggest challenge of living in space?
4. Have you seen any unique phenomena in space?
5. How do astronauts communicate and work as a team on the ISS?
6. What inspired you to become an astronaut?
7. What's your most memorable moment looking at Earth from space?
8. What skills do astronauts need?
9. How do you manage time and routines in space?
10. What experiments or discoveries would you like to see on the ISS?
11. What do you do in case of an emergency on the ISS?
12. What are your long-term goals for space exploration?
13. How do astronauts sleep in space and do they dream?
14. How do astronauts keep in touch with their families in space?
15. How are astronauts protected against space debris and collisions?
16. How do you keep track of time in space when there is no natural cycle of day and night?
17. How does the ISS facilitate international cooperation between space agencies?

ARISS News Release                                                     No. 23-47       

Message to US Educators  Amateur Radio on the International Space Station Contact Opportunity

Call for Proposals - New Proposal Window is October 1, 2023 – November 10, 2023

September 25, 2023 --- The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Program is seeking formal and informal education institutions and organizations, individually or working together, to host an Amateur Radio contact with a crew member on board the ISS.  ARISS anticipates that the contact would be held between July 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. Crew scheduling and ISS orbits will determine the exact contact dates. To maximize these radio contact opportunities, ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed education plan.
 
The deadline to submit a proposal is November 10, 2023.  

Proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form can be found at www.ariss.org. An ARISS Introductory Webinar session will be held on October 5 2023 at 7 PM ET.  The Eventbrite link to sign up is: https://ariss-proposal-webinar-fall-2023.eventbrite.com
 
The Opportunity
Crew members aboard the International Space Station will participate in scheduled Amateur Radio contacts. These radio contacts are approximately 10 minutes in length and allow students to interact with the astronauts through a question-and-answer session.
 
An ARISS contact is a voice-only communication opportunity via Amateur Radio between astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the space station and classrooms and communities. ARISS contacts afford education audiences the opportunity to learn firsthand from astronauts what it is like to live and work in space and to learn about space research conducted on the ISS. Students also will have an opportunity to learn about satellite communication, wireless technology, and radio science. Because of the nature of human spaceflight and the complexity of scheduling activities aboard the ISS, organizations must demonstrate flexibility to accommodate changes in dates and times of the radio contact.
 
Amateur Radio organizations around the world with the support of NASA and space agencies in Russia, Canada, Japan and Europe present educational organizations with this opportunity. The ham radio organizations’ volunteer efforts provide the equipment and operational support to enable communication between crew on the ISS and students around the world using Amateur Radio. 
 
Please direct any questions to education@ariss-usa.org.

ARISS News Release                                                No. 23-49

ARISS Contact is Scheduled with Students at Colegio Educación del Talento (Talent Education College), Yerba Buena, Tucumán, Argentina

September 22, 2023—Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has received schedule confirmation for an ARISS radio contact between an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and students at the Colegio Educación del Talento in Yerba Buena, Argentina.  ARISS conducts 60-80 of these special amateur radio contacts each year between students around the globe and crew members with ham radio licenses aboard the ISS.
 
Talent Education College provides a backbone music instrumental curriculum based on the Suzuki philosophy. The school is a registered center of Trinity College London and offers intensive English and international certificates as well as other disciplines with extracurricular activities (Orchestra, Science Club, Singing Workshop). Members of the Radio Club Tucuman (LU5KHF) are supporting the school for this ARISS contact.
 
This will be a direct contact via Amateur Radio allowing students to ask their questions of Astronaut Andreas Mogensen, amateur radio call sign KG5GCZ. The downlink frequency for this contact is 145.800 MHz and may be heard by listeners that are within the ISS-footprint that also encompasses the relay ground station.
 
The amateur radio ground station for this contact is in Yerba Buena, Argentina. Amateur radio operators using call sign LU5KHF, will operate the ground station to establish and maintain the ISS connection.
 
The ARISS radio contact is scheduled for September 25, 2023 at 12:04:47 pm ART(Argentina) (15:04:47 UTC, 11:04 am EDT, 10:04 am CDT, 9:04 am MDT, 8:04 am PDT).
 
_______________________________
 
As time allows, students will ask these questions:
1. How did you feel by the time you got to space?
2. How did you prepare to go to space and how long did it take?
3. How does it feel to see space from a spacecraft?
4. Is it true that time passes differently in space?
5. What is the most dangerous thing you have experienced in space?
6. What is your favorite movie about space and is it similar to reality?
7. What happens if a crew member becomes ill or injured in the spaceship?
8. What is the biggest technical challenge in spacewalking and how do you prepare for it?
9. What do you study to become an astronaut and how long does it take?
10. Why did you decide to become an astronaut and have you always wanted to be one?
11. How old were you when you first travelled to space?
12. How long does it take to fully leave the Earth?
13. How do you sleep in space?
14. How is the training for emergencies carried out?
15. What are the main safety precautions that must be carried out?

ARISS News Release                                                         No. 23-48

ARISS Contact is Scheduled with Students at Escuela Preparatoria La Salle, Torreón, Mexico

September 19, 2023—Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has received schedule confirmation for an ARISS radio contact between an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and students at the Escuela Preparatoria La Salle in Torreón, Mexico.  ARISS conducts 60-80 of these special amateur radio contacts each year between students around the globe and crew members with ham radio licenses aboard the ISS.
 
La Salle High School is an affiliate of La Salle University and located in Torreón, Coahuila Mexico. The school has various campuses (Elementary School, Middle School, High School, University level) throughout Mexico.
 
This will be a telebridge Contact via Amateur Radio allowing students to ask their questions of Astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, amateur radio call sign KI5WSL. The downlink frequency for this contact is 145.800 MHz and may be heard by listeners that are within the ISS-footprint that also encompasses the telebridge station.
 
The ARISS amateur radio ground station (telebridge station) for this contact is in Casale Monferrato, Italy. The amateur radio volunteer team at the station will use the callsign IK1SLD, to establish and maintain the ISS connection.
 
The ARISS radio contact is scheduled for September 22, 2023 at 10:19:45 am CST (Torreón, MEX) (16:19:45 UTC, 12:19 pm EDT, 11:19 am CDT, 10:19 am MDT, 9:19 am PDT).
 
The public is invited to watch the live stream at:  www.ariotti.com .
__________________
As time allows, students will ask these questions:
1. What is the daily routine of work and activities of an astronaut and how are they organized to perform scientific investigations?
2. How is the weather on the space station?  When you return to earth, do you have a different feeling in terms of climate and environmental seasons?
3. What was the greatest sacrifice you have made to be able to be where you are now?
4. Do you believe that life exist not only in the earth, elsewhere in the universe?
5. What are you most passionate about in your career as an astronaut, and what would you say to people who aspire to be one?
6. What has been the biggest mental or physical challenge you have experienced on the space station?
7. As a member of a space station, what has been the most surprising moment you have experienced in space so far? How has it affected you personally and professionally?
8. We often hear about scientific research being conducted at the International Space Station, but could you share a personal moment that made you appreciate the beauty and wonder of space while living on the station?
9. Ivanna: My dream is to work at NASA. I have been in several science and technology competitions to achieve it, and I am very interested in technology, space, and undiscovered things, what else could I do to get there?
10. How does your perspective change as a human being, when you see deep space?
11. According to your experience, what are the physical and personal attributes that an astronaut needs to be prepared to go the space station and return to earth?
12. What is the most powerful space rocket engine in the world and why?
13. What sparked your interest in space and how did you become an astronaut?
14. How hard is it to get used to the lack of gravity? How long did it take you to get used to it?
15. What sensation does your body feel when you leave and return to the earth?

ARISS News Release                                                         No. 23-46

ARISS Contact is Scheduled with Students at ESPRIT: Private Higher School of Engineering and Technology, Little Ariana, Tunisia

September 9, 2023—Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has received schedule confirmation for an ARISS radio contact between an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and students at ESPRIT in Little Ariana, Tunisia.  ARISS conducts 60-80 of these special amateur radio contacts each year between students around the globe and crew members with ham radio licenses aboard the ISS.
 
ESPRIT, founded in 2003, is an engineering school that provides study in various fields, notably: IT, Civil Engineering, Electromechanics and Business. The school has a curriculum focused on hands-on Problem based learning accompanied by on-going hands-on courses, which are updated yearly to the latest innovative technologies. With about 10,000 students, ESPRIT is also a member of the Honoris United Universities that has more than 61,000 students from about 10 African countries.
ESPRIT has a local aerospace and satellite organization (IEEE AEROSPACE AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS SOCIETY – IEEE Student Branch Chapter) that was founded in 2017 and has 628 members. As a sponsor of this ARISS contact, ESPRIT hopes to inspire students in these fields.
 
This will be a telebridge Contact via Amateur Radio allowing students to ask their questions of Astronaut Andreas Mogensen, amateur radio call sign KG5GCZ. The downlink frequency for this contact is 145.800 MHz and may be heard by listeners that are within the ISS-footprint that also encompasses the telebridge station.
 
The ARISS amateur radio ground station (telebridge station) for this contact is in Greenbelt, Maryland, U.S. The amateur radio volunteer team at the ground station will use the callsign K6DUE, to establish and maintain the ISS connection.
 
The ARISS radio contact is scheduled for September 12, 2023 at 10:01:58 am CET (Tunisia) (9:01:58 UTC, 5:01 am EDT, 4:01 am CDT, 3:01 am MDT, 2:01 am PDT).
_______________________________
 
As time allows, students will ask these questions:
1. What was the most surprising thing you noticed about Earth from space?
2. What is the most advanced technology we can find only on the ISS?
3. What do you do for fun in space?
4. How do you manage to stay connected with your loved ones while on the ISS?
5. Do space simulations on earth do the real thing justice?
6. What's the thing that you wish you bought with the first time you've been to the space station?
7. What’s the most exciting thing that happened during one of your missions?
8. Is there anything in space that has surprised you since you became an astronaut?
9. What thoughts have you experienced in space, that you never contemplated on earth?
10. What does the ISS smell like?
11. Why do astronauts have mirrors on their gloves?
12. How do you handle emergencies in space?
13. How long did it take for you to get accustomed with life on board the ISS?
14. What do you like most about living in space?
15. What's the thing that was the opposite of your expectations when you went there?
16. When there are so many galaxies in the universe, are we sure we are alone?
17. As we explore other habitable planets, do you think when future astronauts return to Earth they might not find it as exciting?
18. What did you feel when you looked down at earth for the first time?
19. Galaxies look stationary, so why do scientists say that they rotate?
20. What is the feeling when traveling at the speed of 28000 km/h?

ARISS News Release                                                         No. 23-44

ARISS Contact is Scheduled with Students at Egemen Yildiz Secondary School, İzmir, Turkey

September 4, 2023—Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has received schedule confirmation for an ARISS radio contact between an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and students at Egemen Yildiz Secondary School in İzmir, Turkey.  ARISS conducts 60-80 of these special amateur radio contacts each year between students around the globe and crew members with ham radio licenses aboard the ISS.
 
Egemen Yıldız Secondary School is a K-12 school with 500 students and 35 teachers. All students ages 12 through 16 years and teachers are involved in this ARISS contact event. The school provides a STEAM curriculum and project-based programs as well as a student Space Club, and Science Club. Prior to this contact, students also learned about space in workshops using lego-robotics.
Members of the Turkish Amateur Ham Radio Association (TRAC) have partnered with the school to support this ARISS contact and by providing a seminar on how to use Ham Radio and the importance of Ham Radio during emergencies. Students participated in ham radio communications under the TRAC team guidance and their supplied equipment during after-school activities.
 
This will be a telebridge Contact via Amateur Radio allowing students to ask their questions of Astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, amateur radio call sign KI5WSL. The downlink frequency for this contact is 145.800 MHz and may be heard by listeners that are within the ISS-footprint that also encompasses the telebridge station.
 
The ARISS amateur radio ground station (telebridge station) for this contact is in Greenbelt, Maryland, U.S. The amateur radio volunteer team at the ground station will use the callsign K6DUE, to establish and maintain the ISS connection.
 
The ARISS radio contact is scheduled for September 6, 2023 at 1:35:27 pm TRT (Turkey) (10:35:27 UTC, 6:35 am EDT, 5:35 am CDT, 4:35 am MDT, 3:35 am PDT).
_______________________________
 
As time allows, students will ask these questions:
1. How do you define the world from space?
2. What is the most enjoyable experience you had in space?
3. What do you usually miss in space?
4. What do you do in an emergency in space?
5. Aren't you afraid of being in space?
6. How do you feel when you are in space?
7. What is space like?
8. Is living in space was what you expected?
9. What does the earth look like from space?
10. How did you feel leaving the atmosphere?
11. What would you do if you were out of your essential materials?
12. What experiments are you trying on ISS as your mission?
13. What are the differences between life in space and the life on Earth?
14. Does space smell?
15. Does space have an effect on your internal organs and what?
16. What is your favorite food on the space station?
17. How do you wash your clothes on ISS?
18. Which planet would you most like to visit in space?
19. Is it comfortable sleeping in space?
20. Do you have internet in space?

ARISS News Release                                                No. 23-45

Tanya C. Anderson joins ARISS-USA Team as Director of Education

August 31, 2023 - Tanya C. Anderson has been selected as Director of Education for Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, Inc. (ARISS-USA). Tanya has been a classroom educator for 18 years, the last 16 years teaching middle school science at St. Joan of Arc in Lisle, Illinois. Her science curricula cover earth and space science, life science, and physical science. Her career focus has been curriculum development in various fields of science.
 
In addition to her responsibilities as a middle school educator, Tanya has shown her passion as a results-oriented leader in a myriad of science, technology engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) initiatives such as NASA HEAT 2022 where she helped develop and test science curriculum for teaching heliophysics and system science. She also has served as a team leader in NASA’s Teaching from Space Microgravity Education Program, working with students to create an experiment that was tested on NASA’s microgravity aircraft.  Tanya is also a NASA Airborne Astronomy Ambassador and a Space Foundation International Teacher Liaison.  She received the 2015 Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Educator of the Year. 
 
When informed of her selection, Tanya exclaimed, “I am excited to be a part of the ARISS organization and cannot wait to see what the future holds for amateur radio as commercial space stations are built and lunar exploration evolves. I look forward to sharing my passion for STEAM and space education with other educators while we work together to inspire, engage, and educate the next generation.”
 
Tanya currently holds a Technician Class amateur radio license, with the callsign KD9BQZ, and has attended the ARRL Teacher Institute on Wireless Technology Workshop. In 2014, Ms. Anderson organized and held a successful ARISS contact involving the entire student body at St. Joan of Arc School. For the ARISS contact, she developed an extensive curriculum preparing students for their ham radio connection with Astronaut Alexander Gerst. Her first-ever ham radio contact was with Astronaut Gerst on the ISS. Tanya’s passion for education and ham radio continued outside the classroom as a troop leader for 6 years with the Boy Scouts of America. Tanya used her educational and amateur radio abilities to immerse the scouts in STEAM as well as help facilitate scout participation in Jamboree on the Air and radio merit badge classes.
 
ARISS-USA Executive Director, Frank Bauer remarked on Tanya’s selection, “Competition for this position was extensive and selection was challenging, given the number of truly outstanding candidates. We are thrilled to welcome Tanya to our ARISS leadership team. Her leadership experience, passion and educational prowess will serve ARISS well, guiding our education volunteers and supporting the implementation of the ARISS 2.0 vision--to develop more comprehensive educational outcomes for youth and life-long learners.”   

ARISS News Release                                                           No. 23-43

ARISS Contact is Scheduled with Students at Augusta Preparatory Day School, Augusta, Georgia, USA

August 28, 2023—Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has received schedule confirmation for an ARISS radio contact between an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and students at the Augusta Preparatory Day School located in Augusta, Georgia.  ARISS conducts 60-80 of these special amateur radio contacts each year between students around the globe and crew members with ham radio licenses aboard the ISS.
 
Augusta Preparatory Day School (Augusta Prep) is a non-sectarian independent school located near the Georgia-South Carolina border for students in grades 2 through 12. Hosting this ARISS contact prompted the school to develop numerous cross-curricular classes that include numerous radio and space-related activities (e.g. Future Engineers TechRise Weather Balloon Challenge). A team of middle- and upper-school students are also developing a research proposal for the CubeSat Launch Initiative, with ongoing support from an engineer and a researcher from the Savannah River National Laboratory. The school has also hosted Family Astronomy Night events employing the school’s four telescopes and inviting families to bring their own.
Members of the Amateur Radio Club of Columbia County (ARCCC) are supporting Augusta Prep with this ARISS contact and the school's space and radio-related classes/projects (high-altitude balloon launches, student antenna building, and hidden transmitter or "Fox hunts."). ARCCC hosted Youth Technician Licensing Classes in 2022 and their first VE testing session with future classes planned. Students, as part of their STEM class, are building a ham radio ground station and the AMSAT CubeSat simulator.
 
This will be a direct contact via Amateur Radio allowing students to ask their questions of Astronaut Steve Bowen, amateur radio call sign KI5BKB. The downlink frequency for this contact is 145.800 MHz and may be heard by listeners that are within the ISS-footprint that also encompasses the relay ground station.
 
The amateur radio ground station for this contact is in Augusta, GA. Amateur radio operators using call sign K4RGK, will operate the ground station to establish and maintain the ISS connection.
 
The ARISS radio contact is scheduled for August 31, 2023 at 9:51:28 am EDT (GA) (13:51:28 UTC, 8:51 am CDT, 7:51 am MDT, 6:51 am PDT).
 
The public is invited to watch the live stream at: https://www.facebook.com/augustaprep
_______________________________
 
As time allows, students will ask these questions:
1. Did your training give you an accurate idea of what the real experience of being in space is like, or were there major surprises?
2. What do you think are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about space?
3. When was the last time you used calculus on the station?
4. What are the emotional/mental impacts of being in space for such a long period of time?
5. Has there ever been a moment when the ISS had a technological error or a shortage of supplies? If so, how did you and the crew solve it?
6. What do you think is the most beneficial project you have done as an astronaut?
7. What was your most prominent hesitation when coming on the International Space Station, and how did you overcome that?
8. How do you keep involved and stay in touch with family and friends?
9. What is the most amazing thing you have seen?
10. What personal and mission-driven goals do you hope to achieve?
11. Can you speak to the impact of space debris on future space missions?
12. How is leisure time scheduled and what are you able to do?
13. What do you do if someone has a medical issue on the ISS?
14. What is your most interesting story about space?
15. What personal items can you bring into space, and are there any size and weight limitations?
16. An essential part of your work pertains to communication and video work. What kind of audio-visual training factors into your training?
17. What are your thoughts about space and have you always been interested in space?
18. How does being in outer space affect the celebration of holidays?
19. How did you feel the first time you left the atmosphere?
20. Is there a way to have food or supplies delivered to the ISS?

ARISS News Release                                                           No. 23-42

ARISS Contact is Scheduled with Students at Bowman Middle School, Bakersville, North Carolina USA

August 25, 2023—Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has received schedule confirmation for an ARISS radio contact between an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and students at the Bowman Middle School located in Bakersville, NC.  ARISS conducts 60-80 of these special amateur radio contacts each year between students around the globe and crew members with ham radio licenses aboard the ISS.
 
Bowman Middle School (BMS) is a rural, public school in Bakersville in northwestern North Carolina near the border with Tennessee and in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains within the southern Appalachian Mountain chain.  BMS has approximately 200 students in grades 5 through 8.  In preparation for this ARISS contact, BMS STEM faculty have implemented ISS/Space travel/Satellite related lesson plans. Students studied topics such as wave propagation, doppler effect, gravity, speed of light, speed of sound, and participated in building a scaled lunar module. Throughout the year, students have set up an HF/VHF ham station in the classroom, built wire and directional antennas, and participated in satellite QSOs using an Arrow 2m/432 MHz antenna. Experienced local amateur radio operators are supporting the school during this contact.
 
This will be a direct contact via Amateur Radio allowing students to ask their questions of Astronaut Warren Hoburg, amateur radio call sign KB3HTZ. The downlink frequency for this contact is 145.800 MHz and may be heard by listeners that are within the ISS-footprint that also encompasses the relay ground station.
 
The amateur radio ground station for this contact is in Bakersville, NC. Amateur radio operators using call sign W4GUZ, will operate the ground station to establish and maintain the ISS connection.
 
The ARISS radio contact is scheduled for August 28, 2023 at 10:38 am EDT (NC) (14:38:46 UTC, 9:38 am CDT, 8:38 am MDT, 7:38 am PDT).
 
_______________________________
 
As time allows, students will ask these questions:
1. Are you or anyone else up there doing research on any diseases that affect humans?  Are you aware of any research in space that has helped to understand, treat, or cure a disease?
2. How are you trained to respond to a fire on the ISS? How do you get rid of the residual chemicals, materials, and smoke?
3. What is your favorite space-themed movie or show?
4. How long have you been an astronaut and how long have you been on the ISS?
5. Are there ever any climate or weather-related research carried out on the ISS?  If so, what was the focus of the research?
6. How many ham radio operators are currently on board the ISS?  How long have you been a ham radio operator and what do you enjoy about it?
7. Can minor or major surgery ever be performed, if necessary, on the ISS?  What are the procedures medical-related issues among the crew?
8. What is your educational background and field of study?  How do you use this on the mission?
9. What is the typical mission length in months of an ISS astronaut?  How long is the pre-training before this mission and how would you describe the pre-training experience?
10. Being an ISS astronaut has to be the highlight of your career, what do you want to do in the future as far as space research or travel?
11. Who inspired you the most to be where you are today and why?
12. Were there any specific events that you saw that led you to become an astronaut on the ISS?
13. What specific advice would you give to young people today?
14. What activities and food do you miss the most while on this mission?
15. Who was your favorite teacher and what made them special to you?
16. What is the size of the current ISS crew and what nations are represented currently?  Did you have to learn any of the languages of the other astronauts?
17. Can you describe the training you went through in preparing for the return trip to Earth and splashdown?
18. How do you maintain your health and fitness while on the ISS?
19. What advice would you give to a future astronaut about something they should know that the training did not prepare you for, if any?
20. How are the crew and mission of the ISS an instrument of peace and hope in a world full of conflict today?