Fairfield county students talk to ISS astronaut via amateur radio

The students at Tallmadge Elementary school participated in the ARISS program today, or Amateur Radio on the International Space Station.

The Fairfield county school is one of only 13 chosen nationwide this year. "For the students just to have that vision that they can reach for the stars. If they want to be something, they can do it," says after school activities organizer Diane Warner, who helped spearhead the effort.

A special antenna purchased with grant money and was installed on the school’s roof, so that the students could make radio contact with astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor on the International Space Station. The Lancaster and Fairfield County Amateur Radio Club helped install the antenna and gather all the technical equipment needed for the big day.

"We already know they're super excited. They can't wait to see this happen and I can't wait to see their faces when it starts happening," says the club’s president Jeff Payne. The students have been studying space and practicing for the big moment for nearly a year, while the club has worked on the technical components.

"This is a challenge and this is an adventure," says club engineer John Hilliard.

At approximately 10:55 AM Tallmadge Elementary made radio contact with the Aunon-Chancellor on the ISS, and students spent about nine minutes asking questions like, “How do you scratch your nose in a space helmet?” Aunon-Chancellor enthusiastically responded to about a dozen student questions before signing off, "Ohio it was fantastic talking with you guys today. Have fun with the rest of your school year."

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