The Arizona Science Center is set to literally host an out-of-this-world experience this weekend.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 27 the HAM Shack Radio Team at the Arizona Science Center will make contact with the International Space Station (ISS) via amateur radio. The local science center will be one of nine schools and institutions in the nation with the opportunity to connect with the ISS.
"Arizona Science Center has a unique opportunity to connect with NASA Astronaut Matthew Dominick, who's currently living on the International Space Station," explained Lauren Pool, senior manager of Science Experiences at the Arizona Science Center. "Our CAMP INNOVATION campers and guests have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ask a real astronaut their burning questions, from if their dreams are different in space than on Earth to which movie has the most realistic representation of space."
Following an extensive proposal process, the Arizona Science Center was among nine total institutions selected to host the 2024 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) event.
ARISS was created and is managed by an international working group, including several European countries, Japan, Russia, Canada and the United States. The organization is operated by volunteers from the national amateur radio organizations and the International Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) organizations from each country. The primary goal of the ARISS program is to engage young people in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) activities and raise their awareness of space communications, radio communications, space exploration, and related areas of study and career possibilities.
“The opportunity we have to bring space communication to students in Arizona is one we are very excited for,” said Guy Labine, the Hazel A. Hare president and CEO at the Arizona Science Center. “The team on site works hard to provide engaging, unique opportunities to inspire kids to one day work in the STEAM field. We are thrilled to be able to help students discover their passions through opportunities like this one with ARISS.”
The event will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Arizona Science Center and will feature a variety of activities gearing up for the ISS connection. At exactly 11:24 a.m., the HAM Shack Radio Team will connect with the ISS for 10 minutes in total. During this time frame, pre-selected students will have the chance to speak with NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Cmdr. Matthew Dominick. Throughout the 10 minutes, kids will line up and take turns asking pre-written questions to Dominick, learning all about STEAM, life as an astronaut and opportunities with the ISS on-orbit crew.
Following the live communication with Dominick and the ISS, the Arizona Science Center will also offer activities and interactive workshops focused on educating and nourishing interest in space and astronomy. Kids will have an opportunity to learn how to operate an amateur radio and understand the vital role it plays in space missions. Plus, enjoy live demonstrations showcasing the science behind radio communication and space technology.
The Arizona Science Center is located in downtown Phoenix, at 600 E. Washington St. For more information, visit azscience.org.
