UND-based space program moves forward in NASA competition (University Newsletter 6/2/15)

The North Dakota Space Grant Consortium (NDSGC,) a statewide service based at the University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences’ Department of Space Studies, was selected, for the first time, as one of the 14 candidates to move forward in the next stage of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program.

The next stage begins with NDSGC planning to host a contact session with the International Space Station (ISS) crew in the early half of 2016. The 14 candidates will complete an equipment plan that demonstrates their ability to execute an amateur radio contact session.

Once an equipment plan is approved by the ARISS technical team, the finalist candidates will be matched up with the scheduling opportunities of NASA.

Nolby said the NDSGC plans on contacting the ISS from UND’s Memorial Union, where they plan to host fun activities throughout the day, including setting up an inflatable planetarium.

“This is an opportunity for K-12 and UND students to talk with astronauts,” said Caitlin Nolby, education program coordinator for UND Space Studies.

About NDSGC
The NDSGC involving North Dakota faculty, students and K?12 teachers and students in multi?institution, collaborative, NASA?relevant research and higher?education projects, while also educating the North Dakota citizenry about NASA, its purpose and its missions. Activities increase the qualified STEM and technical workforce that is necessary to accomplish NASA’s goals while also contributing to the general education and welfare of the North Dakota populace.

The other candidate programs that have made the next stage area:

• All Saints STEAM Academy, Middletown, R.I.
• Atlanta Science Festival, Atlanta, Ga.
• Booker T. Washington Senior High, Miami, Fla.
• Christ the King School, Rutland, Vt.
• Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center, Garden City, N.Y.
• Frederick W. Harnett Middle School, Blackstone, Mass.
• National Soaring Museum, Elmira, N.Y.
• National Urban Alliance for Effective Education, Syosset, N.Y.
• Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond, Va.
• STEM Trajectory Initiative with Albuquerque Public Schools, Brazosport ISD, Jones Creek, Texas
• University of Alabama in Huntsville Space Hardware Club, Huntsville, Ala.
• Walter Jackson Elementary, Decatur, Ala.

This is a significant step in ARISS’ continuing effort to engage young people in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematic) activities and raise their awareness of space exploration, space communications and related areas of study and career possibilities.

For more information on the competition, go to AARL News.

About ARISS
ARISS is a cooperative venture of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT,) the American Radio Relay League (AARL,) and NASA in the U.S., and other international space agencies and international amateur radio organizations around the world.

The primary purpose of ARISS is to organize scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the international Space Station (ISS) and classrooms or informal education venues.  With the help of experience amateur radio volunteers from amateur radio clubs, and coordination from the ARISS team, the ISS crew members speak directly with large group audiences in a variety of public forums such as school assemblies, science centers and large museums, Scout camporees, jamborees and space camps, where students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies and Amateur Radio.

For more information go to www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org or www.arrl.org.