Africa-Wide Amateur Radio Contact with the International Space Station
Welcome to the official page of the ARISS Program hosted by the Pan-African Citizen Science e-Laboratory.
PACS e-Lab has successfully brought the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) experience to youth across Africa and the Middle East, providing citizen scientists and the public the opportunity to speak live with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Although schools in South Africa and Morocco have hosted ARISS contacts for decades, access was often limited, as many were unaware of the program or did not realize Africa was eligible. PACS e-Lab expanded access by hosting ARISS events, supporting applications, training schools and clubs, and enabling youth across the region to connect with astronauts and explore space science.
Before Contact
PACS e-Lab’s ARISS journey began in late 2023 with the submission of an application during the February–March 2024 round. A few months later, the application was accepted, scheduling the contact between January and June 2025.
Since then, the project has been actively presented at several conferences and seminars, including the Science Summit of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the 32nd IAU General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa, and the HanSci Conference on March 15th, 2025. A recording of the HanSci presentation is available below.
Presentation of the ARISS project at the HanSci Conference on March 15th, 2025
During Contact
On Friday, April 18, 2025, PACS e-Lab successfully connected with NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers via a telebridge contact, facilitated by ARISS Telebridge Station IK1SLD in Italy, managed by Claudio Ariotti. Participants engaged directly with astronaut Ayers, asked questions, and experienced an inspiring real-time interaction with the International Space Station.
Event Recording of the First Africa-Wide Amateur Radio Contact with the International Space Station
In the lead-up to the ARISS event and the live interaction with NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers on April 18, 2025, PACS e-Lab conducted several key activities to ensure a meaningful and educational experience for all participants:
- Group and Individual Registration: Early registration enabled the selection of over 20 individuals who directly interacted with astronaut Nichole Ayers during the live contact. Subsequent registration allowed additional audience members to join via Zoom, providing the opportunity to ask questions to the ARISS team.
- ISS Tracking Workshops: Workshops were conducted to teach participants how to track and locate the International Space Station using free and open-source software, empowering attendees to observe the station’s movements from their own locations.
- Lessons on the ISS: A series of facts, 20 per release, totaling 200, about the ISS, astronauts, and amateur radio communication were shared to build excitement and deepen understanding. These facts were regularly posted across social media to engage and inform ARISS participants and the public.
After Contact
With the successful completion of the ARISS event, PACS e-Lab is focusing on several key next steps:
- Post-Contact Experience: Certificates have been issued to all registered attendees to recognize participation in this milestone event. Feedback was collected through a post-contact survey to assess impact and improve future ARISS activities.
- Continued ISS Tracking & Engagement: ISS tracking continues beyond the live contact, maintaining participant engagement in real-time observations and laying the foundation for amateur radio activities.
- Expanding to Amateur Radio Operations: Training, mentorship, and technical workshops are being offered to empower individuals to explore amateur radio beyond space communications.
- Forming a Community of Radio Amateurs: A thriving network of radio amateurs across Africa and the Middle East is being cultivated to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and broader participation in radio science.
- Supporting Upcoming ARISS Events: Assistance was provided to the Nigerian Space Agency (NASRDA HQ) and the Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS) for ARISS contacts scheduled on September 4 and 20, 2025, respectively.
- Support for Future Applicants: Reapplication to ARISS will ensure continued engagement and expansion of access. Guidance, mentorship, and resources will support more African schools, clubs, and organizations in hosting future contacts with astronauts aboard the ISS.
- Presentations at Conferences: Lessons learned and project impact will continue to be shared at conferences to inspire broader participation in ARISS and amateur radio initiatives.
Apply for the ARISS Project
The ARISS-Europe application opens twice a year, in February–March and September–October. It is advisable to start well in advance to allow sufficient time to complete the lengthy application form. Organizations interested in applying for the ARISS project are encouraged to contact PACS e-Lab at info@pacselab.space
Resources to Download
All relevant documents and resources related to PACS e-Lab’s ARISS event, including the flyer, speaker profiles, event timetable & agenda, and other materials, can be accessed here.
ARISS Contact Experience Survey
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