The International Space Station HAM-TV facility has again been used, this time by Astronaut Paolo Nespoli IZ0JPA who sent his greetings and congratulations for the European Researchers Night. Gaston Bertels ON4WF of ARISS-Europe says the transmission was done with the HamVideo transmitter in the frame of video QSO's originated by Paolo. HAM-TV which adds a visual element from the ISS usually needs a longer time with a series or chain of ground stations whose vision can be seamlessly stitched together.
Gaston ON4WF has advised that both "Europe and Australia" will be part of a future HAM-TV transmission. Quietly watching events unfold over recent months have been the Australian operational HAM-TV ground stations of Martin VK6MJ, Tony VK5ZAI, Joe VK5EI, and Shane VK4KHZ. These four have been able to give HAM-TV signal reports that has lead them to now be seriously considered for future use of the new facility. ARISS Australian Coordinator, Shane Lynd VK4KHZ says this is "extremely encouraging" news as Australian ground stations continue to experiment with different dish sizes, feeds and rotator systems. All it needs now is a decision and a suitable pass of the International Space Station for Australia to be part of a HAM-TV transmission.
The video recording of this event is available below, the audio starts at 3m 20s.
