Indian Astronaut Uses Ham Radio

Summary:

On July 4, 2023, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is scheduled to communicate with students across India using ham radio from the International Space Station (ISS). Ham radio, an amateur and licensed radio service, operates through radio waves and is primarily used for educational purposes and emergency communications.

Key Features of Ham Radio:

• Definition and Purpose: Ham radio allows licensed operators to establish communication over various distances, including local, global, and even interstellar. It serves educational aims as well as critical emergency communications.
• Licensing in India: Any individual over the age of 12 can operate a ham radio in India, with licenses issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
• Historical Context: The introduction of ham radio in space dates back to 1983 with its first use on a space shuttle. The ISS hosts the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS), designed to facilitate astronaut-student dialogues and inspire youth in the field of science.

Communication Specifics for the Axiom-4 Crew:

• The Axiom-4 mission involves astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, who will make contact with their home countries using ham radio during their 14-day ISS stay.
• Communication attempts will occur when the ISS passes over certain regions, typically lasting between five and eight minutes. Frequencies available for voice and data communication include:
  • Downlink: 145.80 MHz
  • Uplink: 144.49 MHz
  • Very High Frequency Packet Uplink/Downlink: 145.825 MHz (specific to South Asia and the Pacific).

Importance and Reliability of Ham Radio:

• Despite advancements in communication technology, ham radio remains one of the most reliable and stable methods for establishing communication under various circumstances.
• It has proven to be an invaluable resource during disasters when traditional communication infrastructure fails. Notable instances in India include its utilization during the:
  • Bhuj earthquake in 2001
  • Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004
  • Uttarakhand floods in 2013.

Conclusion:

Shubhanshu Shukla's interaction represents a significant event blending cutting-edge technology with traditional communication methods, fostering educational engagement and showcasing the critical role of ham radio in emergency responses.

Important Points:

• Scheduled ham radio communication by Shubhanshu Shukla on July 4, 2023, from the ISS.
• Ham radio allows communication over vast distances and is licensed for individuals aged 12 and older in India.
• The Axiom-4 crew's communication with respective countries will leverage specific radio frequencies during brief operational windows.
• Ham radio’s historical use includes supporting communications during major disasters in India, underscoring its reliability.