Girl Speaks To Astronaut In Space Through A Ham Radio In England

Isabella Payne had one of her most memorable moments in life when she connected with an International Space Station(ISS) astronaut through a ham radio that her dad owns. Astronaut Kjell Lindgren tweeted saying it was his favourite contact so far.

It's not everyday that space enthusiasts get to fulfil their dreams like this one. Speaking to an astronaut while they are in space seems like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Especially students who are studying space often long to somehow be in close connection with their dream place.

Girl Speaks To Astronaut Via Ham Radio

It was just another afternoon for the southeast England resident Isabella Payne and her dad Matthew Payne until the radio connected with ISS. Payne was sleeping when suddenly her dad woke her up and put a microphone in her face. She told CNN, "I was like 'Why are you doing this to me? I need my beauty sleep". Just like that, sitting on her dad's lap she told her name and age on the call and life was not the same again. It was none other than Kjell Lindgren from the ISS radio. "His voice instantly changed from normal to joyful," she said. She continued, "You could hear his smile."

It was not just her but Lindgren also had a beautiful time speaking to little Isabella Payne, as he tweeted later that day, "I've had a lot of fun using the #ARISS amateur radio station #NA1SS on the @Space_Station to talk with ham radio operators all over the world. I've even (unofficially) worked stations on all continents! But this may be my favorite contact so far. Thanks Isabella and @m0lmk !"

What is ham radio?

A ham radio according to the National Association for Amateur Radio " is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It's fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need." One needs a license to have a ham radio set up at their home.

Matthew Payne, 42, had the license for his amateur radio for the last 22 years and he has been an ardent follower of space and radio activities. He knew the nitty-gritty about speaking to astronauts through ham radio. He was aware that ISS astronauts try to reach school radio when they are in the orbit to speak to students. Payne told CNN, "I heard through the communities that I'm part of that he (Lindgren) was using the radio, so we listened for a couple of weeks ... and one evening I heard him call." Payne also mentioned that his daughter and he have watched all the space station events together since she was a little baby. So actually speaking to the astronauts together was a dream come true.

So recalls Isabella Payne, "I was elated when I heard his voice," she adds, "I thought it was a dream."

Suggested Reading: Astronaut Nicole Aunapu Mann Will Be First Native American Woman To Travel To Space