Calgary Space Workers Society

Our demonstrator lunar habitat headquarters contains simulated life support to live is space but also contains the equipment that is needed for communication with the International Space Station (ISS) and other satellites.
 

As we continue to move forward we at the Calgary Space Workers Society (CSW) will have members trained through the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) and licensed to operate ham radio equipment for communication with the ISS. The QCWA has volunteered to assist our interested members in challenging the Ham Radio License.

This license is needed for communication with the ISS. Also, when anyone is applying for permission to communicate with ISS, the equipment specification that is to be used is required information. This is to make sure you are properly prepared. The high cost of this equipment is another reason for placing the specs on the form, as it is not common equipment for all enthusiasts of ham radio operation. We look forward to the opportunities ahead for encouraging more involvement in space and communication.

The CSW are putting our equipment and expertise of the QCWA together to encourage elememtry schools, high schools and other educational facilities to apply to have radio contact with the ISS.

Prior to the CSW being involved with the ISS contacts it was done by Brian Jackson and an affiliate club to the QCWA known as "Amateur Radio on the International Space Station" (ARRIS). They contacted the ISS and spoke to Doctor Robert Thirsk and allowed questions to be asked by a few students on behalf of five hundred and seventy (570) who were listening in with them.

This prior set up for the students also took a significant amount of time and effort. A mobile satellite communication centre would be an ideal solution to replace the hours of preparation required. The CSW will thus be able to bring its mobile satellite communication centre to other locations in Canada or the United States to supplement the education of students who apply for this opportunity.

We at the CSW have since been involved in two more contacts with the ISS and Dr. Robert Thirsk and have enjoyed working with the brilliant enthusiests of QCWA/ARRIS group. Our involvment and in the meeting of Dr Thirsk has been a true inspiration toward futher development in this area.