Control op Jun Maeda, JL8AQH (left), offers some last-minute instructions to club members lining up to ask their questions.
Control op Jun Maeda, JL8AQH (left), offers some last-minute instructions to club members lining up to ask their questions. |
NEWINGTON, CT, Aug 31, 2005--NASA ISS Science Officer John Phillips, KE5DRY, told members of the Sapporo Junior Amateur Radio Club in Japan that he's enjoying his stay aboard the International Space Station. The direct 2-meter contact August 22 between 8J8X in Japan and NA1SS in space was arranged by the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program. Responding to one youngster's question, Phillips said he finds it "very comfortable" to be aboard the ISS, and that it's "fun to float around." He also shared his thoughts about the importance of space exploration.
"For me, the importance of spaceflight is we are pushing
the frontiers of humanity every outward, discovering new things" Phillips said.
The US astronaut and Expedition 11 crew commander Sergei Krikalev, U5MIR, will
remain aboard the ISS until October.
 Establishing contact with NA1SS. |
One youngster wanted to know if Phillips had experienced any difference in his blood pressure during his duty tour aboard the ISS. Phillips said he hasn't noticed any big change. "I think that maybe my blood pressure may be just a little bit higher because the fluids in my body are distributed differently on the earth," he said. "But the difference is very small." In fact, he allowed, his blood pressure was probably about normal.
Another ham club member asked Phillips what he thinks about when he's looking at Earth from the ISS. "I think that it's very beautiful," Phillips replied, "and that all peoples of Earth share a responsibility for safeguarding our planet and working together to keep the earth beautiful for many generations to come."
In all, 13 students--including control operator Jun Maeda,
JL8AQH, a high school student--took part in the August 22 contact. They asked
19 questions. In addition to an audience of more than 40 people, two TV
stations and three newspapers covered the event.
 An audience of more than three dozen was on hand for the event, including TV and newspaper reporters. [JA8ATG Photo] |
"This was my pleasure to talk to the students of the
Sapporo Junior Amateur Radio Club," Phillips said in his parting remarks. "I've
been to Sapporo a couple of times, and I have very fond memories of that city."
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Those assembled for the event broke out in cheers and applause as the contact concluded.
The next ARISS school contact also will be with youngsters in Japan. On September 2 at approximately 0945 UTC, the ISS crew is scheduled to take questions from youngsters visiting the 2005 World Expo in Aichi. The direct contact between NA1SS and 8N2AI should be audible to anyone in Japan and nearby parts of Asia and the Pacific who are monitoring 145.80 MHz downlink. It's expected the contact will be carried out in English.
According to ARISS event organizers, the Japan Amateur Radio League has set up a commemorative Amateur Radio station at the World Expo 2005 site.
ARISS is an
international educational outreach with US participation by ARRL, AMSAT and
NASA.
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