Napisal/-a s56a » 05 Apr 2003, 19:48
ARRL novice 22/14:
Students at the Selnica Primary School in Slovenia enjoyed listening in on
an evening space chat with Bowersox during which they could also see the
spacecraft passing overhead. The ARISS QSO was a public event, with a
local Boy Scout club station, S59TTT, set up in a camping trailer in the
schoolyard. Scoutmaster Ivan Dobnik, S51DI, doubled as control operator
and quizmaster.
Bowersox said the most beautiful views from space are during the nighttime
portion of the space stations's orbit-- when the crew can see the
stars--and at times of sunrise and sunset. Bowersox--who's known by his
nickname "Sox" within the Astronaut Corps--said he sleeps very well in
microgravity. "It's almost like having the perfect bed," he declared. He
also was asked if any of the other astronauts snore. "I sleep so well,
I've never heard never heard anyone snore here," he said.
Bowersox said he really enjoyed the food aboard the ISS, but with such a
beautiful view out the window, "the food doesn't matter so much."
The crew is growing some bean plants and some herbs as part of its scientific research, he explained in reply to another query.
Questions regarding personal hygiene have become more common. The contact with Slovenia included one about shaving in space. "The actual process of shaving doesn't feel that great," Bowersox said, adding that it's good to have a clean face. He also told those gathered in Slovenia that he expects construction of the remainder of the ISS to continue, although he noted that NASA is re-evaluating those plans at present.
Some 130 schoolchildren, parents, teachers, the city mayor and several
radio amateurs turned out for the occasion.
ARISS is an international program with support from ARRL, NASA and AMSAT.
LP MMIII S56A, N1YU
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