Sarasota Students Connect With Space Station Astronaut
Cadets from Sarasota Military Academy spoke with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station via amateur radio.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Space
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Students at the Sarasota Military Academy successfully established an amateur radio link to speak with an astronaut currently stationed on the International Space Station. The school was chosen as one of 13 institutions across the country to participate in the rare communication opportunity.
Why it matters
This initiative provides students with hands-on experience in aerospace communication and amateur radio technology. By engaging directly with an astronaut, cadets gain a unique perspective on life and research conducted in low Earth orbit.
Sarasota Military Academy utilized two ground stations equipped with rooftop antennas to facilitate the contact. The effort was supported by the Tamiami Amateur Radio Club, which assisted in configuring the necessary hardware.
The players
Sarasota Military Academy
This educational institution serves cadets in the local Sarasota area and operates a specialized amateur radio club.
Luke Delaney
He is a NASA astronaut who participated in the amateur radio outreach session from the International Space Station.
Tamiami Amateur Radio Club
Based in Venice, this organization provides technical expertise and support for amateur radio operations.
The details
Cadets tracked the International Space Station as it passed overhead to maintain the radio link during the session with NASA astronaut Luke Delaney. The school has focused on revitalizing its radio infrastructure following the 2023 reboot of the program.
Timeline
The school amateur radio club was originally started in 2009.
The radio program was officially rebooted in 2023.
Students completed the radio call on October 22, 2026.
The Big Picture
This event follows the framework established by the ARISS education program to promote science and technology in schools. The successful contact marks a shift toward more integrated, hands-on aerospace learning within the local curriculum.
This event demonstrates the practical application of amateur radio technology, which can serve as a hobby or a foundational skill for careers in telecommunications. Students and residents may see increased interest in local radio clubs following the demonstration of these long-distance capabilities.
The takeaway
The successful link highlights the ongoing relevance of amateur radio in modern space communication. Interested residents can explore local radio clubs to learn more about the technical requirements for tracking and contacting orbiting craft.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts and ongoing missions in the Space section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
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