Excited kids go on 'space talk' with Sunita

Excited kids go on 'space talk' with Sunita

AHMEDABAD: Fourteen students got a chance to talk to Sunita Williams, the US astronaut of Indian origin, through HAM radio on Wednesday, the first day of the Gujarati new year.

Sunita fielded questions about her life aboard the International Space Station (ISS), her future plans, factors that influenced her choice of a career as a NASA scientist among others.

The first interaction with students in India with an astronaut in space was organized at Gujarat Science City.

"The talk was arranged using Telebridge mode as the HAM radio was linked to Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). ARISS team member Keith Paugh moderated the station at an Italian HAM station from where the link was established while the ISS was over the North Atlantic Ocean, moving at 28,000 kmph," said a Science City official.

The event was attended by more than 250 people, including scientists, students and science enthusiasts. Organizers got HAM radio operators and experts of the Department of Science and Technology's Vigyan Prasar from New Delhi, Rajkot and Ahmedabad.

"We arranged for a countdown timer as the link was established. As Sunita confirmed her presence, the students cheered. She wished the kids a happy Children's Day and a happy New Year when the interaction began. We got an excellent connection and the students were thrilled. Williams also promised to visit and meet students from the state once she returns from her mission," said Narottam Sahoo, senior scientist, Science City.

Ravi Saxena, additional chief secretary, department of science and technology, called the event a technological marvel and said that its success would go a long way in planning such events in the future. These would shape the imagination of students and inspire them to take up challenges.

"I asked her what the sun and moon look like from space. She replied that the celestial bodies are much brighter and one can feel the heat of the sun much more in space. It was an experience I will cherish for a long time," said Sakshi Vagadia, 13, a student from Rajkot.

Some students had difficulties understanding Sunita's accent and asked the scientists to elucidate her replies.