ARRLWeb: ARISS Contact with Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children

Patients at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children asked a total of 33 questions to astronaut Clay Anderson, KD5PLA, including, "What do you do if you get sick when you get sick in the space station?" [Mike Welch, KF4HFC, Photo]

This girl wanted to know what Anderson's duties are while he is on the ISS. Anderson and two Russian cosmonauts, Fyodor N. Yurchikhin, RN3FI, and Oleg V. Kotov, are currently on board the ISS. Anderson is expected to return to Earth on or around November 5, 2007 on the space shuttle Discovery (STS-120). [Mike Welch, KF4HFC, Photo]

The local press was out in force for this ARISS contact. A total of three television stations, one radio station and one newspaper covered this event. Sheri Mosely, child life manager for Arnold Palmer Hospital, said, "Talking with an astronaut is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity and one we hope these children never forget." [Mike Welch, KF4HFC, Photo]

For 11 kids at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida, July 17, 2007 was quite a memorable day. These children had the unique opportunity of questioning astronaut Clay Anderson, KD5PLA, onboard the International Space Station (ISS) via ham radio as it made a 9 minute 30 second pass over the United States.

This Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was made possible due to the initial efforts of John Rothert, KC4IYO. After applying for the contact, John became ill and was unable to continue helping. Through the sponsorship of the Lake Monroe Amateur Radio Society and combined efforts of Northern Florida Section Public Information Coordinator Mike Welch, KF4HFC; Bob Pollack, KF4IMF; Lou McFadin, W5DID; the Child Life Department of Arnold Palmer Hospital and many other supporters, the event went off without a hitch.

Just prior to the ISS pass, the Child Life personnel established phone contact with Will Marchant, KC6ROL, and Graham Lawton, G7EVY. These hams helped prepare everyone for the contact and coordinated the telebridge connection between the hospital and the ISS via W6SRJ, the host ground station located at Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa Rosa, California.

At approximately 2:28 PM (EDT), Bill Hillendahl, the operator at W6SRJ, began calling, "NA1SS, NA1SS, this is W6SRJ." Soon, applause erupted from the hospital conference room as a voice over the speaker answered, "NA1SS, over!" This began a lively 9 minute question-and-answer session between eager children and Anderson. By the end of the pass, the children had asked 33 questions, possibly setting a record for any ARISS contact.

"We're very excited about ARISS bringing their program to our patients as it will be a fun activity that will lift their spirits," said Sheri Mosely, child life manager for Arnold Palmer Hospital. "Talking with an astronaut is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity and one we hope they'll never forget."

Once the contact was finished, local media from three television stations, one newspaper and one radio station began interviewing the children and hospital personnel, adding greatly to the excitement of the day. This was truly a successful ARISS contact that will not be soon forgotten by the children at Arnold Palmer Hospital.

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, supported by the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, is a 158-bed facility dedicated exclusively to the needs of children. Located in Orlando, Arnold Palmer Hospital includes comprehensive, specialized programs and services for children including acute care, adolescent medicine, a Congenital Heart Institute in partnership with Miami Children's Hospital, pediatric intensive care, emergency medicine, nephrology, neurology and trauma services. -- David Jordan, AA4KN