Bishop Hendricken High School has been chosen as one of 11 U.S. semifinalists to host a radio contact with the International Space Station during the second half of 2017. This would become the first-ever contact for a Rhode Island high school.
The school recently submitted a detailed educational proposal in support of its bid. “We’re all thrilled and looking forward to this exceptional educational opportunity,” said school principal Jay Brennan. The radio contact is being arranged through the multi-national, multi-agency Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) project which links schools around the globe with opportunities to speak with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Last year ARISS scheduled 20 events with U.S. hosts and another 40 events for schools outside the U.S.
The 11 U.S. semifinalists, representing schools and educational organizations, must now submit detailed equipment plans demonstrating their ability to carry out the amateur radio contact. Once the ARISS technical team approves the equipment plan, ARISS will then attempt to schedule applicants, as their availability and flexibility match up with the opportunities offered by NASA.
Since this will be the first ISS contact with a Rhode Island high school, Bishop Hendricken is planning outreach efforts to create high-impact opportunities to share the opportunity with other RI high school’s students, STEM educators, and Rhode Island’s technology community.
