Wavell Heights State High School STEM students have taken their love of science to new heights by talking live with astronauts orbiting Earth on the International Space Station (ISS).
The opportunity took place last month during the inaugural QTech 2025 conference, hosted by the Brisbane VHF Group (BVHFG) at Kedron-Wavell.
President of the BVHFG Dr Kevin Johnston said the link-up, a first for Brisbane, was made possible through an arrangement between NASA, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS), and the BVHFG.
“High school students with an interest in space science, technology and astrophysics can, through the medium of amateur radio, talk directly live to the astronauts in the space station as they come across the earth,” Kevin said.
He said the communication link only worked for about 15 minutes, as the space station came across the horizon.
“When the path is open, the sound quality is perfect, it’s like using a telephone,” Kevin said.
“It’s a pretty sensational event for the young guys to be able to do this, particularly for those who have an interest in space travel or who have an interest in becoming astronauts themselves.”
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Learning Experience
Wavell Heights State High School HOD Science/QMEA Michael Drago said he was confident the students would be inspired to pay more consideration towards future STEM pathways because of this experience.
“This is such a unique opportunity for our students – an actual ‘once in a lifetime experience,” he said. “To be able to talk to someone orbiting over the Earth, about their scientific endeavours, using technology that is the product of advancements in STEM over the decades, will live long in the memories of these fortunate students.”
Students asked the astronauts about daily life aboard the ISS and specific questions about the research being undertaken.
“I’m really proud of the profile our STEM program has in the Wavell community, which led to ARISS reaching out to us to be participants in this amazing moment,” Michael said. “We have put a lot of effort into providing engaging experiences for students in the STEM space.”
The BVHFG, a group of radio amateurs that has operated for around 40 years, caters to those with a special interest in using very high frequencies.
The QTech conference brought together like-minded radio enthusiasts from across Australia and New Zealand.
After more than 50 years in the field, Kevin said amateur radio stands out as a hobby that spans generations, from high schoolers to the retired.
“We would hope to be able to repeat the conference every two years,” he said. “It’s a method of supporting the hobby of amateur radio and disseminating knowledge and experience.”
For more information, visit brisbanevhfgroup.com
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