Ham Radio

 Ham Radio : Recently, in a landmark moment for India's space outreach, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla connected with students in India directly from the International Space Station (ISS) via ham radio (amateur radio).

o The interactive session was designed to inspire young minds and ignite interest in science and space exploration.

• About Ham Radio : A licensed form of radio communication used for educational, emergency, and experimental purposes.

o How it Works: It operates using radio frequency waves through a transceiver and antenna, enabling local, international, and even space-based communication between licensed users.

o Eligibility in India: Individuals aged 12 and above can apply for a ham radio licence, issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

o Use in space :  Began in 1983, when astronauts aboard a space shuttle used it to connect with Earth.

ü The ISS currently houses a dedicated ham radio station called Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS).

ü Used for educational outreach, for live interactions between students &  astronauts.

o This initiative is supported by space agencies from the US, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada, and relies on non-interference protocols—radio activity is paused during sensitive operations like docking.

o Despite modern advancements in digital communication, ham radio remains one of the most dependable alternatives, especially during emergencies when conventional systems fail.

• In India, ham radio has proven critical in several disaster scenarios: 2001 Bhuj Earthquake, 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and 2013 Uttarakhand Floods.