[South Florida DX Association] 25th Anniversary Of The First Space Shuttle Launch...

[Bill Marx]

Hi ,



Here is a brief summary of the highlights of our event.



 AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS TO COMMEMORATE THE 25TH SILVER ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
FIRST SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCH!



Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, FL,



Members of the Titusville  and the  North Brevard  Amateur Radio Clubs 
performed a week of Amateur Radio operating from April 9 thru 15 at the 
Florida Space Authority facility at the Kennedy Space Center/ Cape Canaveral 
Air Force Station complex.



Operators made radio contact worldwide to celebrate America's successful 
Space Shuttle Program. Thru these contacts operators increased the awareness 
and accomplishments of the many NASA men and women of space technology.



1.         Our operating site was INDOORS with full lighting, air 
conditioning, no bugs, w/ carpeted floors and indoor restrooms! And nice 
tables and cushy seats!



2.         On a few days we were provided with FREE pizza, danish cakes and 
cookies, ice cold orange juice, water, and a variety of soft drinks.



3.         Each operator personally met with NASA Astronaut Captain Winston 
E. Scott. He is currently autographing a personal photograph to present to 
each participating amateur radio operator.



4.         All our equipment, towers, antennas and vehicles were in a secure 
location.  No need to worry about equipment disappearing.



5.         We presented 2 educational sessions with High School and Middle 
School students.  There were approx. 115 very interested students especially 
after Astronaut Scott told them he was amateur radio operator KD5DXD. He 
complimented amateur radio very highly! We made special arrangements to 
accommodate students with hearing and vision disabilities.  Each student was 
given "Hello" and a memento Certificate with their name and www.arrl.org on 
it. We made a special arrangements with other amateurs at offsite locations 
to talk to some of the students via HF amateur radio, single sideband, 
voice.



6.         We were able to present  the ARRL video "Amateur Radio Today" on 
a giant screen in the Auditorium.  The screen was about 25 feet high by 35 
feet wide. Very impressive. Many thanks to Walter Cronkite, CBS reporter, 
for endorsing our event.



7.         Our host was so impressed that they want us to come back once a 
month to repeat our program! They want to include us as a permanent part of 
their curriculum. Also the
Facilities Manager and her son have registered for our amateur radio 
classes.



8.         Distributed many handouts and QSTs to everyone. Both the variety 
and quantity was appreciated.



9. The clubs presented a signed, framed Certificate of Appreciation, a copy 
of "Amateur Radio Today", a QSL, copy of the new "Hello" to each person 
hosting our event.



10.       We have taken hundreds of photographs and they are being edited to 
post on the Event web site.  This may take a week or so before posting; 
please check back often.



Web sites: Event web site: 
www.northbrevardradioclub.org/shuttleanniversary.htm

                  Florida Space Authority: 
http://www.floridaspaceauthority.com/

                  National organization: www.arrl.org



11.       We had over 3,000 QSOs all over the world!  And we're still 
counting. The pileups grew larger as "the word" got out! We used SSB, CW and 
Packet modes.



12.       This event demonstrated that clubs can work together!  Everyone 
was so excited that new ideas were generated each day. "Let's do this or 
that" was a common daily phrase!



13.       Please visit our web sites about and in particular read the Guest 
Book comments:

http://www.theguestbook.com/read.php/614111



73,
Carl, AA4MI
ARRL The national association for AMATEUR RADIO www.arrl.org
ARRL Assistant Director, Southeastern Division, Life Member, Volunteer 
Examiner
e-mail: aa4mi at arrl.net
Who am I? click>> www.qrz.com/aa4mi