Amateur Radio Communication, discover more about it

Amateur Radio

Ham Radio is commonly referred to as Amateur radio.

It is a permitted radio service that depends on radio waves to create communication.

It is primarily utilized for educational and informative aims, as well as for emergency or SOS communications.

With a designated frequency, skilled ham operators can establish communication between two licensed hams using a transceiver and an antenna.

Communication can occur on a hyper-local level, globally, and even in outer space.

In India, anyone older than 12 years can operate a ham radio.

These licences are issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Applications in Space

Amateur radio was utilized for the first time on a space shuttle in 1983 to facilitate communication between Earth and space.

The ISS features an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) system, promoting interactions between astronauts and students to inspire youth.

The ARISS project receives backing from amateur radio groups and space agencies in the U.S., Russia, Canada, Japan, and Europe.

It offers equipment and operational assistance.

Radio interruptions are planned during essential tasks such as docking to prevent disruption.

How will the Axiom-4 team utilize ham radio?

Throughout the Axiom-4 mission, astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary will use ham radio to connect with their home nations on two occasions during their 14-day visit at the ISS.

Communication will take place when the ISS crosses the horizon for short periods of 5-8 minutes.

Importance

Amateur radio continues to be a dependable and consistent means of communication, particularly in times of crisis.

It has been vital when conventional communication methods break down because of conflicts or natural disasters.

In India, ham radio has played a crucial role during significant incidents such as the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, supplying essential emergency communication when it was most necessary.