How Amateur Radio Lets Students Chat Live with ISS Astronauts

For over two decades, students and amateur radio enthusiasts have been speaking directly to astronauts in space. ARISS, or Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, makes these conversations possible. The programme connects Earth to the ISS, orbiting 400 kilometres above the planet at staggering speeds.

ARISS began operations in 2000 as a joint effort between space agencies like NASA and the ESA. It allows schools, universities, and even individual radio operators to communicate with astronauts aboard the ISS. These contacts happen via voice or packet radio on designated frequencies.

The ISS circles Earth every 90 minutes, travelling at roughly 28,000 kilometres per hour. This rapid movement limits most radio connections to around ten minutes before the station passes out of range. Astronauts experience 16 sunrises and sunsets each day due to the station's high-speed orbit.

During his 177-day mission, German astronaut Matthias Maurer took part in ten ARISS radio sessions with German educational institutions. While exact numbers aren't available, the programme has facilitated countless school contacts since its launch. Some crew members also use ARISS for unplanned chats with amateur operators on the ground.

ARISS continues to bridge the gap between space exploration and the public. Schools and radio enthusiasts can still apply for scheduled contacts with the ISS. The programme remains one of the few ways for people to interact directly with astronauts in orbit.