Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Connect with Earth via HAM Radio on Jul 4

NEW DELHI:
In a historic moment blending nostalgia with cutting-edge space exploration, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently orbiting the Earth aboard India’s Gaganyan mission, will establish contact with a live audience at the UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru—not through the internet or satellite video links, but via the classic communication method of HAM radio.

At exactly 3:47 pm IST today, Captain Shukla will initiate a special space-to-Earth transmission, reaching out to listeners on the ground through amateur radio frequencies—a mode of communication that, despite its age, continues to hold significance in both scientific and humanitarian efforts.

Organised by ISRO’s Upagrah Amateur Radio Club, the event will bring together students, space enthusiasts, and HAM radio operators from across the country. The conversation, expected to revolve around space technology, astronaut life, and scientific curiosity, is part of ISRO’s broader push for educational outreach.

Spearheading this historic exchange is BA Subramani (VU2WMY), a veteran space simulation engineer and current Director of AMSAT India’s Educational Outreach Programme. A stalwart in the Indian amateur radio community, Subramani has spent decades promoting HAM radio as a bridge between science and society.

Often dubbed the “King of Hobbies,” HAM radio has a rich legacy. From providing critical communication during the Titanic tragedy to acting as a vital lifeline during Cyclone Fani, it has consistently proved its worth when modern networks falter. In India, the community comprises over 38,000 licensed operators—teachers, students, doctors, and retirees, all united by a shared passion for global connectivity.

Today’s contact is expected to not only ignite young minds but also highlight the enduring power of amateur radio in fostering dialogue beyond borders—and even beyond the planet. As Shubhanshu Shukla’s voice crackles through the radio waves from space, a new chapter in India’s space communication will be scripted—powered not by apps or screens, but by pure radio frequency and human curiosity.