Blog
See what Richard has to say and keep track of the mission.


OCTOBER 29, 2008
Message to HAM Community
On my recent flight I had the great opportunity to speak directly with and trade call signs with hundreds of hams around the globe. For me it was a unexpected joy to find so many enthusiastic hams, who were so well informed and interested in my activities in orbit.   When I began my transmissions with preplanned SSTV images including "pirate messages", test patterns and family images, I did not know how they would be received. But it seemed that fellow hams really enjoyed seeing this beginning to my time on the International Space Station (ISS).  Throughout the bulk of my 10 days on the ISS I tried to be speaking by voice or transmitting SSTV images whenever possible.

After my first 100 or so QSOs, I understood how well "networked" the global ham community really is. I received specific reports back through Mission Control-Moscow about technical aspects of my work and how the community was enjoying the transmissions. This redoubled my enthusiasm to do quality work for the amateur radio legions around the world as I realized how much it meant to those with whom I had the chance to talk.  By late in my flight I had contacted many hundreds of hams by voice and I have good records of these contacts.  Finally I sent some "Goodbye" images on my last day in space.  I also contacted many hams that had listened to or contacted my father from space 25 years ago.  Some hams I contacted 2 to 4 times on my flight.

On those last days I was very moved when sent many "soft landing" messages from individuals and classrooms full of children as I passed by.  The ham community has added greatly to my personal feelings of success on my flight.  I can only hope that you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Thanks so much and 73,  Richard, W5KWQ

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OCTOBER 24, 2008
Return to earth
At 11:37 PM ET, Richard and his crewmates Sergei Volkov and Yuri Kononenko successfully landed in Kazakhstan, bringing to an end Richard's 12 day stay in space.  See video of the undocking and la . . . » CONTINUE READING



OCTOBER 23, 2008
Change of Command
Click below to watch the change of command on the ISS. . . . » CONTINUE READING



OCTOBER 21, 2008
NASA Press Conference
Yesterday, Richard participated in a NASA press conference.  Below is a video of the questions and answers directed to Richard.  The questions a wide range of topics, from the view, his fath . . . » CONTINUE READING



OCTOBER 21, 2008
Your questions answered
Thank you to you all for submitting questions for Richard.  Richard answered two questions today - one from Richard in CA about getting used to life in space, and another from Marsel in Maine abo . . . » CONTINUE READING



OCTOBER 20, 2008
Dignity Day
Richard sends a message to the participants of Dignity Day 2008!  To learn more and to listen to the message, go here, or click on . . . » CONTINUE READING



OCTOBER 20, 2008
Contact with Budbrooke
Richard made contact with the children at Budbrooke Primary School in Warwick through ARISS Ham radio. The children asked Richard a series of questions about his experiences in space. You can watch a . . . » CONTINUE READING



OCTOBER 20, 2008
Life on board the ISS
Richard spoke with his father, Owen, over a video link up between the ISS and Mission Control.  He gave us a brief glimpse into life on board the ISS.  See video below. . . . » CONTINUE READING



OCTOBER 19, 2008
The first 24 hours
Richard talks about his first 24 hours on the ISS and settling in.  Listen below. . . . » CONTINUE READING



OCTOBER 18, 2008
Art in Space
See photos of Richard creating artwork in space on the ISS below! . . . » CONTINUE READING