11 March 2007

ARISS SCHOOL CONTACT WITH PORTUGUESE SCHOOL A SUCCESS

The ARISS school contact planned with students at Escola Camilo Castelo Branco, Carnaxide, Portugal on Monday 26 February 2007 was a success.

When telebridge station VK5ZAI called the ISS at 15:51 UTC, Sunita Williams KD5PLB came back immediately. She answered 15 questions prepared by the students.

“Yes, the reality is different from the training we have before the Mission. One cannot perfectly imitate on earth the microgravity that exists on board”.

“We have US food and Russian food and even Indian food which I appreciate much, being from Indian origin”.

“The maximum time an astronaut can stay in space is still under study. This is important for future Moon and Mars Missions”.

Three national TV networks, four national periodicals, 4 local newspapers covered the event. The total audience has been estimated at 11 million.

ARISS, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, an international working group of several amateur radio societies from countries participating to the ISS, provides a free educational outreach programme in collaboration with the Space Agencies, involving a worldwide team of volunteering amateur radio operators.

Gaston Bertels, ON4WF

ARISS-Europe chairman

Carnaxide audio
Carnaxide picture 1"
Carnaxide picture 2"