October 9: The Namibia Scientific Society (NSS) hosted an ARISS contact for the Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool and 10 other schools in the Windhoek, Namibia area. Mike Fincke answered 17 student questions. The event, occurring during World Space Week, attracted an audience of nearly 1,000 enthusiasts and learners. Those at home could choose between two livestreams, which in one week’s time, captured 768 views. Media reporting about the radio contact included Namibian Sun, Informante News, and the online Namibian Opportunities. Prior to the radio connection, speakers presented talks on science opportunities and careers to the audience. The NSS had partnered with organizations in supporting the event, including the African Millimetre Telescope project; the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology; and the Namibia Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture. International partners aiding with earlier activities included the US Embassy in Namibia and NASA’s Dragonfly mission team.

Screenshots from the Namibia Scientific Society livestream: a young girl asks her question, part of the large audience

October 3 – 9: The worldwide ARISS team sponsored a Slow Scan TV (SSTV-picture downlinks) event in celebration of World Space Week and the 68th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik-1. During the event, 3,684 space and radio enthusiasts downloaded up to 12 images downlinked by cosmonauts on the ISS. Participants posted 8,950 images to the online ARISS SSTV Gallery at https://ariss-usa.org/ARISS_SSTV/ and could record if they were students or educators, resulting in this list:

• 529 students at the high school level or lower
• 302 formal or informal educators at the high school level or lower
• 332 students at the undergraduate level or higher
• 540 formal or informal educators at the undergraduate level or higher.

All taking part could request special certificates and also post comments. Here are a few:

• “Awesome.”
• “Many thanks to all who made this event possible.”
• “I used hand-made antennas. I’m a complete beginner.”

Image: one of the 12 images downlinked by cosmonauts on the ISS for nearly 9,000 participants

October 10: ARISS Educator Jackie Blumer gave a presentation to 15 teachers and 15 students attending learning sessions in Pana, IL. The Regional Office of Education hosted the activity; the office services five counties. Jackie’s presentation explained what the ARISS program is and the proposal process for a school faculty to follow in order to be considered for selection for an ARISS radio contact.

ARISS Upcoming Events