Live Ham Radio Chat from Space

On Tuesday afternoon, July 8, 2025*, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will connect live with school students at ISRO’s North‑East Space Applications Centre (NESAC) in Shillong via ham radio. The session will happen through a tele‑bridge installed by ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station).

About the Astronaut & Mission

Shukla, aged 39 and hailing from the Indian Air Force, is India’s first astronaut aboard the ISS on the Axiom‑4 mission. He joined the orbiting lab on June 26, 2025, along with three international crew members 0. His 14‑day scientific expedition includes experiments in microbiology, neuro‑cognition, health telemetry and more.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The interaction is part of ARISS’s global effort to spark enthusiasm in STEM fields by enabling students to speak with astronauts in orbit 1. Last Friday, Shukla held a similar session with students at Bengaluru’s U R Rao Satellite Centre, also through ham radio, reaching out to amateur enthusiasts worldwide 2.

Ham Radio & Its Educational Importance

Ham radio—or amateur radio—is a licensed, non‑commercial mode of communication. On ISS, it offers a real‑time, engaging platform for science learning and acts as a reliable communication medium during emergencies 3.

Session Highlights & Trivia

• Date & Time: Tuesday afternoon, July 8, 2025 (India Standard Time).
• Location: NESAC, Shillong, Meghalaya.
• Radio Call Sign: Shukla is VU2TNI aboard the ISS.
• Mission: Axiom‑4, 14‑day scientific expedition on ISS.
• Earlier interaction: Bengaluru, Friday via U R Rao Sat Centre.
• Purpose: Promote careers in STEM and space science.

Why This Matters

This rare live exchange with an astronaut aboard the ISS brings space exploration closer to students in Northeast India. It not only enriches STEM education but also showcases India’s growing role in global space research.

Looking Ahead

Over the next week, Shukla and the Axiom‑4 crew will continue experiments in microalgae growth, neuro‑motion studies and health telemetry—highlighting India’s presence in cutting‑edge space science.

Source: Theprint