The English School reaches out to touch space
On 24th January 2018, students of The English School, Nicosia will have the opportunity to talk live to an astronaut in space. The astronaut will be on-board the International Space Station.
The ARISS project lets students worldwide experience the excitement of talking directly with crew members of the International Space Station, inspiring them to pursue interests in careers in science, technology, engineering and math and engaging them with radio science technology through amateur radio.
Amateur radio is a popular technical hobby and volunteer public service that uses designated radio frequencies for non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, and emergency communications. Amateur Radio is the only hobby governed by an international treaty at the United Nations level.
We, The English School, Nicosia, are the first school in Cyprus to have been accepted by the ARISS program due to our strong educational programme, our active, popular and historic Amateur Radio Club, and the activities of our Astronomy Club. Our partner organisation CARS (Cyprus Amateur Radio Society) and KPO (Kition Planetarium & Observatory) have assisted us to achieve this honour.
During the contact, the students will ask the astronaut the following questions, which they have also chosen.
- What experiment are you currently working on?
- How is the ISS protected from impact with space debris?
- What are the contingency plans if there is a puncture in the hull?
- How important is the presence of amateur radio equipment on the ISS?
- What is your main role on the ISS?
- Do you get criticised by people who believe in conspiracy theories?
- How much free time do you have on a mission?
- What is the most dangerous situation you have had to deal with on the ISS?
- Are your dreams affected by being in space?
- How long can the ISS maintain its orbit without a rocket boost?
- What happens if you get sick or injured during your mission?
- What do you believe is the most important attribute needed to become an astronaut?
- Do you get informed if you have a family emergency?
- What does the ISS smell like?
- If we could send you something right now, what would it be?
Information about our partners:
ARISS is an international educational outreach programme partnering the volunteer support and leadership from AMSAT and IARU societies around the world with the ISS space agencies partners: NASA, Russian Space Agency, ESA, JAXA, and CSA.
CARS is the national membership organisation for Amateur Radio enthusiasts. The society was founded in 1975 as a non-profit organization, representing Cyprus amateur radio interests nationally and internationally, facilitating the exchange of information and ideas regarding the art of radio communication, science and other relevant subjects, and promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics through outreach activities to the public.
KPO was established 2008, and for the last 10 years has been representing Cyprus internationally by working in common projects with NASA, UNESCO,The United Nations and many more organisations. As well as educational outreach activities to the public on the island, it also carries out research in astronomy and has made numerous scientific publications and discoveries.
Program on Wednesday 24th
9.00 – 10.00 Student Workshop about the International Station. Students from other schools will participate in this workshop with students from the English School. The ISS is a good example of a place where effective working partnerships between different organizations take place.
10:00 - 10:15 Break
10:15 - 10:50 Tour of the ISS - interactive screens
10:50 - 11:00 Break
11.00 – 12.30 Presentation of project, student presentations and videos, speeches by partner organizations
12:35 - 12:45 Contact Slot. Students and Astronaut will talk.
12.50 – 13.15 Closing session
