What We Do
Goals of the ARISS Program
By connecting kids with astronauts in space, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) inspires students, worldwide, to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and math through amateur radio communications opportunities with crews on the International Space Station (ISS) and other space vehicles. Students learn about life in space and explore Earth from space through science and math activities. ARISS provides opportunities for the school community (students, teachers, families and community members) to become more aware of the substantial benefits of human spaceflight and the exploration and discovery that occur on spaceflight journeys. Students have the opportunity to learn about space technologies and the technologies involved with space communications through exploration of amateur radio.
- Inspire an interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects and in STEM careers among young people;
- Provide an educational opportunity for students, teachers and the general public to learn about space exploration, space technologies and satellite communications;
- Provide an educational opportunity for students, teachers and the general public to learn about wireless technology and radio science through Amateur Radio
- Provide an opportunity for Amateur Radio experimentation and evaluation of new technologies.
- Provide a contingency communications system for NASA , the ISS crew and participating commercial crews.
- Provide crews with another means to directly interact with larger communities, including friends and family.