Schools and educational institutions and organizations — formal and informal — have until Monday, December 15, to submit proposals to host an Amateur Radio contact with a member of the International Space Station crew. The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program announced the opening of the application window earlier this fall.

“ARISS provides an exciting outreach opportunity for the ham radio community to connect with local schools,” ARRL Educational Services Manager Debra Johnson, K1DMJ, said. “A scheduled ARISS contact is a voice-only communication via Amateur Radio between the ISS crew and classrooms and communities. ARISS contacts allow education audiences to learn firsthand from astronauts what it is like to work and live in space.”

ARISS is especially interested in arranging contact events that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the radio contact into a well-developed educational plan. Schools and educational organizations may apply individually or with other institutions or organizations. ARISS anticipates that the ham radio contacts between students and the space station will take place between May 1 and December 31, 2015.

The ARRL website has more information about the program, including details on expectations, audience, proposal guidelines and application form, and the dates and times of informational sessions. Contact ARISS with any questions or for additional information.