Thirteen is a lucky number today as ARISS announces 13 educational organizations across the United States that we’ve selected to host an ARISS amateur radio contact with astronauts on the International Space Station from Fall 2026 through Spring 2027:
- Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina
- EcoTarium in Worcester, Massachusetts
- Challenger Learning Center in Framingham, Massachusetts
- Covington High School in Covington, Tennessee
- Robert Crippen Elementary School in Porter, Texas
- Paul Duke STEM High School in Norcross, Georgia
- Lead-Deadwood High School in Lead, South Dakota
- North Augusta High School in North Augusta, South Carolina
- Pinecrest Academy of Northern Nevada in Sparks, Nevada
- Sarasota Military Academy High School in Sarasota, Florida
- Watson B. Duncan Middle School in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
- Woodruff Middle School in Seabrook, New Jersey
- ICO West Michigan Aviation Academy in Grand Rapids, Michigan
The selected organizations submitted winning proposals that included integrating space and communications concepts into their curriculum in the months leading up to the ARISS contact and making the experience meaningful for the entire school or organization. The dates for the contacts and the participating crewmembers will be announced closer to the events.
ARISS is currently accepting applications through September 30th, 2026, for ISS contacts that will take place in the first half of 2027. You can find out more about the proposal process and get helpful guidance including our proposal guide here or through the links on the ARISS website.
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