September 13, 2026: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is pleased to announce that 3 additional US schools have been selected for ARISS contacts in 2026 and 2027. These schools submitted proposals during the recent proposal window and have been accepted to move forward in the processes of planning to host a scheduled amateur radio contact with crew on the ISS. The primary goal of the ARISS program is to engage young people in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) activities and raise their awareness of space communications, radio communications, space exploration, and related areas of study and career possibilities.
ARISS USA is announcing selections for ham radio contacts with the ISS crew during the
Fall 2026 through June, 2027. They are now at work starting to implement their 4–6-month education plan which was outlined in their proposal. These STEAM based educational activities help prepare students for their contact as well as create an on-going exploration and interest in aerospace and amateur radio topics. They are also completing an acceptable equipment plan that demonstrates their ability to execute the ham radio contact. Once their equipment plan is approved by ARISS, the final selected schools will be scheduled as their availability and flexibility match up with the scheduling opportunities offered by NASA.
The schools are:
The Archdiocese of Atlanta Catholic Schools
Dresden Elementary in Dresden, Ohio
The University of Texas at Austin’s Women in STEM – STEM Girls Day event