Last Thursday, Feb 20th 2025, Woodward Mill Elementary made contact with the International Space Station, and NFARL was proud to be a part of this incredible event!
Our club played a key role in making the contact possible, providing all the radio equipment, satellite communications gear, and even handling the audio and video systems. It was a rewarding experience to see the students’ excitement as they spoke with astronaut Don Pettit (KD5MDT) aboard the ISS.
Behind the Scenes – Making It Happen
This event didn’t come together overnight. It took three days of setup and two days of breakdown to ensure everything ran smoothly. A huge shoutout to Daryl Young and the NFARL, who set up and operated the equipment, ensuring a seamless connection to the ISS.
We also had fantastic support from GARS club members, including Ralph, Richard, and Kevin.
The teamwork and coordination with the school made this event a resounding success. Seeing the students’ faces light up as they spoke directly with an astronaut reminded us why we love this hobby—inspiring the next generation of radio operators and space enthusiasts!
📸 Check out some photos and a video from the event below!
A big THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this event possible. If you’re interested in getting involved in future ARISS contacts or other NFARL activities, let us know!
🎙 73,
