July 28, 2026: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is pleased to announce the US schools/host organizations newly selected for ARISS contacts in 2026 and 2027. A total of 13 of the submitted proposals during the recent proposal window 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/organizations will be scheduled as their availability and flexibility match up with the scheduling opportunities offered by NASA.
The school and host organizations are:
Covington High School, Covington, TN
ICO West Michigan Aviation Academy, Grand Rapids, MI
Woodruff Middle School, Seabrook, NJ
North Augusta High School, North Augusta, SC
Pinecrest Academy of Northern Nevada, Sparks, NV
Watson B Duncan Middle School, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Sarasota Military Academy HS, Sarasota, FL
Lead-Deadwood High School, Lead, SD
Robert Crippen Elementary School, Porter, TX
Challenger Learning Center National Conference, Framingham, MA
EcoTarium, Worcester, MA
Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, Charlotte, NC
Paul Duke STEM High School, Norcross, GA