ISS Contact - NA1SS - Commander Kjell N Lindgren

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A little after midnight just before I headed off to bed, I thought to myself "just one more go". Wow what perfect timing as I had a lengthy chat with NA1SS International Space Station Commander Kjell.
 

I was using my Yaesu FT-847 Earth station with the 30 element 435-437 Oscar Sat antenna and 10 Element LFA Cross Yagi for 145 MHz, driven by my Yaesu G-5500 Control/rotator.


The amazing part for me is that I called out CQ once and was answered by ISS Commander Kjell using the call NA1SS. Nobody else in Europe was about so after an initial QSO and signal exchange of a real 5/9+ we had a decent rag chew lasting 5-8 mins as the ISS soared by overhead. Commander Kjell told me he has never been as active and is really enjoying working stations back on Earth from the ISS Columbus Module. I went to bed like an excited child awaiting Christmas and I am still buzzing about it now the next morning. Keep a listen out during the late passes as you may get a pleasant surprise!

Comments

PE4BAS, Bas said…
Wow, that is great Simon. I think that would be a dream of many radioamateurs. And your dream became reality. Wish you had some video made. I'm thinking what I you talking about with a astronaut? Daily life? Your antennas and radio? Or asking how the view is from above? I've no idea? Tell me.... 73, Bas
8:56 am
MØYKS Simon said…
Hi Bas, yes it was a dream come true as well as a big surprise. Great questions! I had sort of had two QSO as at first we made a typical exchange of Call sign and signal report. I had put a call out as the ISS approached and heard "M0YKS M0YKS this is NA1SS" I was shocked and went back with a slight nervousness with name, qth and signal report. I said 73, tnks etc and Kjell called to see if any more stations were about but there was no return. I decided to call back saying how unusual it was that I was alone on the air and then we started to chat. Kjell told me he was the Mission Commander operating from the Columbus module, He also said he had been licenced for two decades but had never used it as much as now on board ISS and was loving it. Kjell asked me about my station and what kind of Satellite activity I got up to and how active I was. I gave a complete station setup run down and congratulated him on a great life experience that he is engaged in. He told me about being part of ESA and that his home Country was USA. It was a perfect qso with 5/9 signals and fully quieting audio. Local time was 12.24 am so I am guessing Kjell was relaxing after his shift. Well worth listening again at the later times, you might get a surprise! de M0YKS
5:06 pm
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