Space Station Contact with Syracuse, NY

This morning, astronaut Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP was able to make a prearranged contact with the Museum of Science & Technology and students from the Danforth Middle School, Syracuse, NY, 

(Astronaut, Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP on the ISS. Courtesy of www.nasa.gov)

Children were able to ask a few questions before the Space Station moved out of range. 

The frequency the International Space Station was heard to be transmitting on was 145.800 MHz.  The K2MST in Syracuse  ground station received Mark loud and clear for a few minutes starting at about 9:08 AM New York time.  In order to communicate with the ISS, the K2MST team were receiving on 145.800 MHz, but transmitting on 144.490 MHz. Mark's radio at 220 miles above Earth was set up opposite as those back on Earth. He was receiving on 144.490 MHz and transmitting on 145.800 MHz.

This split frequency operation is used to minimize interference since different parts of the world have a slightly different VHF "2m band" allocation. In Europe for example, they can still listen for down-link signals on 145.800 MHz, but typically use 145.200 MHz for up-link. 

Here is a video documenting the event:

The ARISS project has coordinated 1,000+ contacts with schools around the world with the International Space Station since it has been in orbit.

HVDN is proud to work with local schools in the Hudson Valley to help coordinate an event like this in the future in our area.

Please contact Steve K2GOG  at K2GOG@amsat.org if your school is interested in learning about how to get on the ISS schedule if you are located in Dutchess County NY or one of the adjoining counties.