Ann Stockbridge, Educator at Kennebunk’s Sea Road School
Regional School Unit 21 has been selected for an out-of-this-world opportunity. An international association of space agencies and Amateur Radio organizations has chosen RSU 21, represented by Sea Road School, to advance in a process climaxing in a conversation between students and astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
RSU 21 was one of 10 schools selected nationally to continue through the multi-month acceptance process. The contact event with the ISS could occur between July and December of this year.
The opportunity is provided by ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station), an association that includes NASA, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, the American Radio Relay League, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, and space agencies in Canada, Japan, Europe, and Russia. They collaborate to enable students to communicate with ISS astronauts and help inspire interest in space, communications and STEM coursework.
Source: RSU 21 students to communicate to outer space – Portland Press Herald
As our readers may know, I have joined the ARISS program as a Mentor to help schools prepare for and make successful contacts with Astronauts on the International Space Station. I am working with RSU 21 Sea Road School teachers and local Ham Radio folks in Maine, USA to help them make contact with the ISS during 2H2020. The link above shares more about the STEM learning program that is being created around this contact.
Volunteer Appeal
This year we have worked hard to build up our volunteer numbers so that the mission may be accomplished. Unfortunately, we’ve been met with lower than hoped for volunteer applications. So here’s our urgent appeal for help.
Please spread the word, personally, that comms volunteers are needed at the Marathon. In particular, we are seeking Amateur Radio communications for Course Medical tents, Hydration stations, Transportation medical Sweep and Express buses, and operators in the Course Net Control Operations Center.
Please tell your local Amateur Radio clubs and your licensed friends about the need.
To volunteer, send the following information immediately to [email protected]:
Full Name
Address
Amateur Radio Call Sign
Do you have a current Red Cross or other CPR certification
What is your jacket size (Male/Female)
What is your assignment area preference
THANK YOU for stepping up as a volunteer. You are a vital part of a highly-trained, able team of Amateur Radio communications specialists who are making a huge, and very positive impact on this complex and expansive event. We cannot possibly thank you enough and simply cannot do the job without everyone’s enthusiasm, energy, and super volunteer spirit!
Also:
Training for these assignments is coming right up. Anyone planning to volunteer should attend this, whether or not you’re already on the roster.
Training
A reminder that in-person training is ON for next Saturday, March 7, 2020:
Date:Saturday, March 7, 2020 Time: Report for registration by 0800 Location: Joseph P Keefe Technical High School
750 Winter St, Framingham, MA 01702, USA Map:https://goo.gl/maps/iY5LmDQ5sfUrrnTTA Parking: Plenty of free and easy parking available.
It is requested that you park at the Fountain Street side of the building. The main entrance we are asked to use is around the corner.
Even if you are an experienced volunteer, there are several big changes that this training will prepare you for. For those new, this training is vital! Nothing beats being there, asking questions, meeting your colleagues, and learning together. So please be there! For those folks who cannot attend due to distance or other factors, please let us know.
The Nashua Area Radio Society will be holding a Ham Radio Bootcamp this Spring. This is a program to help new or inactive hams to gain the skills they need to get on the air. You are invited to join us for the first session, which will be held on Saturday, February 29th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. A light lunch will be provided.
First HF Contact at Bootcamp
Here is the planned schedule for the Fall Ham Radio Bootcamp. Mark these dates on your calendar!
If you are interested in attending, RSVP to Anita, AB1QB at [email protected]. If you would like to participate in the HT programming session, please send your HT make and model.
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