A Caversham man will be talking to an astronaut while he orbits the earth as part of an international radio challenge. <\/p>\n
Jonathan Sawyer, of Waller Court, is one of three young radio amateurs representing the UK at the Youngsters on the Air event. <\/p>\n
He joins 80 other young people aged 15 to 25 at the event, held between Saturday, August 5 to Saturday, August 12. <\/p>\n
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). <\/p>\n
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.\" <\/p>\n
Attendees will also be able to see Mr Nespoli live in the station via Amateur TV. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
He said: \"It's very exciting. This type of event [Youngsters on the Air] is completely unique in the world. <\/p>\n
\"I know it's been running for the last six years and its great for the UK to be the hosts this year. <\/p>\n
\"I got a letter through last year inviting me to apply to be a representative for the UK so I went ahead and applied. <\/p>\n
\"Then this February I got a letter saying I was one of three people who were successful! <\/p>\n
\"The programme from last year looked pretty exciting so I was really excited to attend this year!\" <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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 . <\/p>\n
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