Ham Radio Communication, let's explore it further!

Amateur Radio

Ham Radio is commonly referred to as Amateur radio.

It is a regulated radio service that uses radio waves to facilitate communication.

It is primarily used for educational and informational purposes, as well as for emergency or SOS messaging.

By employing a specific frequency, a transceiver, and an antenna, communication can occur between two licensed hams facilitated by skilled ham operators.

Communication can be local, international, and extraterrestrial.

In India, anyone older than 12 years is allowed to use 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 enable communication between Earth and space.

The ISS features an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) system that enables astronaut-student communications to motivate the youth.

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

It offers machinery and operational assistance.

Radio disruptions are planned during essential operations such as docking to prevent interference.

In what way will the Axiom-4 team utilize ham radio?

Astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary will operate ham radio to connect with their home nations two times during their two-week Axiom-4 mission at the ISS.

Communication will take place when the ISS crosses the horizon for short intervals 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, amateur radio has been utilized during significant occurrences such as the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, offering essential emergency communication when it was crucial.