The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1 and June 30, 2019.
 
Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with opportunities to learn about space technologies and communications through the exploration of Amateur Radio.  The program provides learning opportunities by connecting students to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through a partnership between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, and other Amateur Radio organizations and worldwide space agencies. The program’s goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Amateur Radio. A ham recently said, “ARISS shows how Amateur Radio is the most unique hobby/service there is.”
 
Educators overwhelmingly report that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and in STEM careers. One educator wrote, “It exceeded our expectations–it created a great interest in both amateur radio and in space exploration. Our kids are completely inspired!” Ninety-two percent of educators who have participated in the program have indicated that ARISS provided ideas for encouraging student exploration and participation. An educator even joined the ham ranks, saying, “This chance for our school’s ARISS contact helped me see the great value of the ham world.  I just passed my Technician License this weekend and have already signed up to take a General class.”  

ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and any related STEM subject. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students.

The proposal deadline for 2019 contacts is April 30, 2018. Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answers will be offered March 29, 2018, at 7 p.m. EDT and April 16, 2018, at 4 p.m. EDT. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2018.eventbrite.com
For more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form, visit: http://www.ariss.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact-in-the-us.html

About ARISS
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS).  In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or public forms. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org.
 
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Media Contact:
Dave Jordan, AA4KN
ARISS PR
aa4kn@amsat.org