A man successfully communicates with astronaut after creating a homemade device that connects him to the space station, capturing the moment.
Man stuns viewers after using homemade device to communicate with astronaut on a space station
Doug, a passionate amateur radio operator, recently made contact with the International Space Station (ISS) using his homemade radio equipment.
This dream came true on July 7, 2023, when he spoke with NASA astronaut Woody Hoburg.
Doug has been interested in ham radio for many years. He often shares his experiences on his YouTube channel.
After many attempts to connect with the space station, he finally succeeded.
His excitement was clear as he recorded the moment he made contact. He called out his radio call sign, “Kilo Bravo 8 Mike,” and waited for a response.
When he heard back from the astronaut, his joy was palpable.
“Kilo Bravo 8 Mike, NA1SS got you loud and clear aboard the Space Station, welcome aboard,” said Hoburg.
Doug described this moment as a thrilling experience, fulfilling a long-held dream.
In his video, Doug explained that he had previously contacted the ISS using different methods, such as voice communication and the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS).
However, speaking directly with an astronaut had always been his ultimate goal. He wrote in the video description that he was thrilled to finally achieve this dream.
“I’ve always wanted to talk to an astronaut. Over the Memorial Day weekend, I finally made that contact. I made contact with the ISS and talked to Woody Hoburg. What a thrill.”
Many astronauts on the ISS are also licensed ham radio operators.
They often participate in scheduled communication sessions with people on Earth as part of a program called Amateur Radio on the International Space Station.
This program, supported by NASA and other space agencies, aims to inspire children and spark interest in science by allowing them to talk to astronauts.
Making unscheduled contact with the ISS is not easy.
It requires perfect timing and specific conditions. For example, an operator can only reach the ISS when it is in the right position overhead.
If the ISS is over Australia, a person in the US cannot make contact. This complexity makes Doug’s success even more impressive.
Doug is not alone in this achievement.
Another ham radio enthusiast, Matt Payne, and his daughter Isabella also managed to speak with an astronaut, Kjell Lindgren, in August 2022.
Matt explained that several factors need to align for such a contact to happen.
The ISS must be in the line of sight, and an astronaut must be available and willing to communicate.
The achievement has captured the attention of the public
Should’ve pretended to be an alien, one user said.
Some day he will make contact with aliens and they will lure him to their ship, the second user joked.
Turns out the homemade device was just a cup and some string, the third user commented.
A lot of the astronauts hold at least a Technician Amateur Radio License. I would love to work them some day, another wrote.
That’s actually pretty awesome!! Can only imagine the guys reaction and happiness in that moment, someone said.