Civilian space traveler set to try Amateur Radio from ISS after all
(Sep 14, 2006)
-- The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program now says US businesswoman Anousheh Ansari, who will travel to the International Space Station September 18 as part of the Russian Soyuz TMA-9 "taxi mission," will attempt some Amateur Radio contacts while in space. Earlier indications from Ansari, 39, were that she had decided not to get a license and would not do any ham radio contacts. A tentative schedule calls for Ansari to speak with students at George Washington University, her alma mater, on Friday, September 22. "Anoushe wishes to talk with US-licensed school children in random QSOs," ARRL ARISS Liaison Rosalie White, K1STO, says. "She will be on the air at various times from Thursday, September 21, until Tuesday, September 26, using RS0ISS." Because of third-party traffic rules, Ansari may only speak with Amateur Radio licensees. Ansari has had training on the ARISS gear but because of her tight training schedule has not been able to get her license. Space Adventures Ltd is handling arrangements for Ansari's mission. She's a last-minute stand-in for Daisuke "Dice-K" Enomoto as the fourth private citizen -- and the first female civilian -- to fly to the ISS. She'll spend approximately 10 days in space.
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