Reading man to chat to astronaut live from the International Space Station – getreading

A Caversham man will be talking to an astronaut while he orbits the earth as part of an international radio challenge.

Jonathan Sawyer, of Waller Court, is one of three young radio amateurs representing the UK at the Youngsters on the Air event.

He joins 80 other young people aged 15 to 25 at the event, held between Saturday, August 5 to Saturday, August 12.

And on Tuesday, August 8 at 7.30pm the 24-year-old will talk with astronaut Paulo Nespoli who is currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Mr Sawyer said: "I am excited to be part of this prestigious youth event and know that the amateur radio contact with the ISS will be something special to remember."

Attendees will also be able to see Mr Nespoli live in the station via Amateur TV.

Mr Sawyer went to the Highdown Sixth Form in Emmer Green , and currently works for Martin Lynch & Sons in Staines, which is one of the biggest suppliers of radio equipment in the UK.

He said: "It's very exciting. This type of event [Youngsters on the Air] is completely unique in the world.

"I know it's been running for the last six years and its great for the UK to be the hosts this year.

"I got a letter through last year inviting me to apply to be a representative for the UK so I went ahead and applied.

"Then this February I got a letter saying I was one of three people who were successful!

"The programme from last year looked pretty exciting so I was really excited to attend this year!"

Other young radio amateurs have come from a diverse range of countries including Croatia, Tunisia, South Africa and Japan. The event is being held at Gilwell Park, near London.

Amateur radio is a popular technical hobby and volunteer public service that was first used in space shuttle missions in 1983 to develop, build and launch satellites.

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station is working with NASA to facilitate the ISS contact and a live web cast of the contact will be streamed by the British Amateur Television Club .

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Reading man to chat to astronaut live from the International Space Station - getreading