The Kopernik Space and Science Education Center, KB2UYF is looking for licensed amateur radio operators to help with a special event operation on Tuesday, November 13 at 9:00 am with an alternate date of Friday, November 16 at 8:00 am.

The special event is part of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). Since the programs inception, over 400 schools and classrooms throughout the world have successfully contacted and communicated with astronauts in space. The program dates back to the Russian MIR space station followed by contacts with the US Space Shuttle and now the International Space
Station (ISS).

This event honors the memory of Kaz Deskur K2ZRO, a satellite pioneer who operated the observatory's ham station under his call sign for many years. In the early days of the Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio (OSCAR) and AMSAT programs, K2ZRO was a familiar call sign on many satellites. Kaz designed the original OSCAR Locator, a device many 'old-timers' used to track a satellite before the advent of personal computers and software tracking programs. For many years AMSAT sponsored an engineering award in Kaz Deskur's honor.

The hams at the Kopernik Observatory including Richard Crow, N2SPI, Jerry Babcock, KG2FY and John Kray, KA2CNG will be operating from the science room with the 22 students, parents, and other spectators. 

Ford Drake, AB2HS has agreed to help with the cross band rebroadcast. This is required since one of the two meter links is off site to prevent interference with ISS communications.

Kopernik counterparts in Rochester, NY thought the 22/82 link would add too much complexity to an already complex situation, but the Kopernik crew believe this link to other's interested in the area is really essential. Hopefully, the publicity about this event will generate a lot of local interest. If so, any area school with a scanner tuned in on 146.820 MHz will be able to listen in.

The primary date for this extraterrestrial contact is Tuesday Nov. 13 at 9:22 am local time. The secondary date is the next Friday Nov. 16 at 8:02 am local time. The crew of the International Space Station (ISS) has not yet decided upon which of the two dates they prefer.

Licensed amateur radio operators with HT’s are needed for the following tasks:
    1. Keep an eye on the amplifiers, equipment and satellite antenna array.
    2. Operate and maintain the satellite tracking computer in the radio room.
    3. Monitor 2 meter FM communications on the 22/82 machine in order to make sure that the live audio link is up and functioning properly.
Persons interested in volunteering are encouraged to call John Kray, KA2CNG at 797-7891 or via email at [email protected].

All amateurs are encouraged to spread the word about this historic special event, a first for Broome County.

Be sure to monitor 22/82 on Tuesday, November 13 or Friday, November 16 as our local students and amateurs contact Frank Culbertson, KD5OPQ operating onboard the International Space Station, NA1SS.