Local Frequencies to Cosmic Conversations: Kars on the Rideau Students' Radio Rendezvous with Astronaut

For the students at Kars on the Rideau Public School, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, was a day etched in their memories. At 8:30 a.m., these young learners had the extraordinary opportunity to speak directly with American astronaut Nicole Ayers, who was orbiting Earth aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This remarkable event, facilitated by the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, had brought the wonders of space exploration directly to their classroom.

The ARISS initiative bridges the vast distance between Earth and the ISS, allowing students worldwide to experience the thrill of real-time communication with astronauts. By engaging in these conversations, ARISS aims to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields in young minds. It also provides a unique hands-on learning experience with radio science technology through the fascinating world of amateur radio.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment,” said Grade 6 student Lyla.

For the students of Kars on the Rideau, this wasn't just a passive observation but an active engagement. Selected students had diligently prepared questions, eager to learn firsthand about life in space, the challenges of scientific research in microgravity, and the awe-inspiring perspective of our planet from above. This direct interaction had promised to be educational and deeply inspiring, potentially shaping future aspirations and career paths.

"Students are here today making history," Jennifer DiStefano, Kars on the Rideau PS educator 

“Students are here today making history and speaking with an astronaut, something they will probably remember for the rest of their lives," said Jennifer DiStefano, the Kars on the Rideau PS  educator who helped arrange this event. 

As the voices of these young Canadians travelled across the vast expanse to reach an astronaut soaring hundreds of kilometres above, it served as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and the wonders of space are truly universal. 

This downlink had proven to be a momentous occasion, not just for the students of Kars on the Rideau but for the broader Canadian educational landscape, demonstrating the boundless possibilities when terrestrial classrooms connect with the cosmos.

Radio Rendezvous with Astronaut