On July 4, 2025, at 3:47 PM IST, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (VU2TNI), who is currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, will make a ham radio contact with students in India.
This event is organized by the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, which connects astronauts in space with students and educators around the world using amateur radio.
What Will Happen During the Contact?
Shukla will use his amateur radio call sign VU2TNI to communicate live with students and scientists at the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru. The contact will be made through the K6DUE telebridge station in Maryland, USA, because the ISS will not be directly overhead India at that time.
Students will ask Shukla questions about life on the ISS, the scientific experiments he is working on, and India’s role in space exploration.
Why Is This Contact Important?
- It is the first time an Indian astronaut aboard the ISS will speak live to Indian students via ham radio.
- The event supports STEM education and encourages young people to explore science and technology fields.
- It demonstrates the role of amateur radio in space communication and education.
What Is ARISS?
The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is an international collaboration between space agencies and amateur radio groups. It allows students worldwide to communicate with astronauts to learn about science and technology.
FAQs for Indian Amateur Radio Operators
Can Indian hams listen to this contact?
Because the contact is relayed through the K6DUE telebridge station in the USA, the ISS signal will not be directly accessible in India.
Can Indian hams contact Shubhanshu Shukla from the ISS?
Officially, no during this scheduled event, but casual contacts might be possible on amateur radio bands during his personal time on the ISS.
What frequency will be used?
The usual ARISS downlink frequency is 145.800 MHz FM, but this contact will be routed through the telebridge, so it may not be directly heard in India.
Will the contact be livestreamed or recorded?
There may be a livestream or recorded video available. Check ARISS, ISRO, or NIAR channels for updates.
Contact upcoming with India!@Axiom_Space #Ax4 crew member Shubhanshu Shukla, VU2TNI, will talk to the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Karnataka via ham radio from the Space Station.
Scheduled Fri. July 4 at 10:17 UTC | 6:17 AM ET | 3:47 PM ISS via K6DUE telebridge. pic.twitter.com/0WAyQkHfD3
— ARISS – Amateur Radio on the ISS (@ARISS_Intl) June 30, 2025
