SB SPACE @ ARL $ARLS008
ARLS008 Apparent ARISS Radio Failure Prompts Shift to Russian
Service Module Ham Gear

ZCZC AS08  
QST de W1AW  
Space Bulletin 008  ARLS008
From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington, CT  October 21, 2016
To all radio amateurs

SB SPACE ARL ARLS008
ARLS008 Apparent ARISS Radio Failure Prompts Shift to Russian
Service Module Ham Gear

The VHF handheld transceiver that the Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) program has used to connect
students worldwide with astronauts on board the International Space
Station (ISS) for more than 16 years has begun to display an error
message and is unusable at this time.

While the ARISS technical team evaluates the best path to restore
operation from the ISS Columbus module, ARISS contacts will be
supported using the Kenwood radio in the Russian Service Module.

During this period, the packet digipeater will be unavailable.
Switching to the 70 centimeter capability on board the Columbus
module for some operations is being coordinated. ARISS said to
expect further updates as it works to resolve the problem.

A reminder: The deadline is November 1 for formal and informal
education institutions and organizations to submit proposals to host
an Amateur Radio contact with an ISS crew member. ARISS anticipates
that contacts will take place between July 1 and December 31, 2017.
Crew scheduling and ISS orbits determine contact dates.

To maximize these radio contact opportunities, ARISS is looking for
organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and
integrate the ham radio contact into a well-developed education
plan.
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