When the National Amateur Radio Association told them about this unprecedented action, the Thionville team had their heads among the stars. “Thierry, a French radio amateur, will be going to Crozet Island for a year. He wants to connect with schoolchildren through local clubs, says Jacky Willaume, vice president of ARTT. We thought this challenge was within our reach. ”
In fact, in 2017, thanks to radio amateurs, the students of the Hélène-Boucher school were able to get in touch with Thomas Pesquet. “So it’s a new challenge where we want to integrate children. Frédéric Mayol, a teacher at the Guentrange school, showed great interest. “I met him on Monday 19th September. He has finalized the educational project which must be broadcast by the end of the month. In mid-October, we will know if we will be selected. “
Satellite connection
Specifically, it is planned to install a satellite dish in the courtyard of the Thionville plant and to come into contact for twenty minutes with scientists who are located 10,000 km from Thionville, on the island of Crozet. “This archipelago is located between Madagascar and Antarctica, explains Pierre-Marie Gayral, an electronic development specialist within the association. The audio and video connection will take place via a geostationary satellite which is 36,000 km away. The broadcast will be direct and CM2 children will be able to see the scientists, listen to them and ask them questions. We will use technical equipment, we are impatient. “
Towards the Moon in 2025?
Radio amateurs are not on the first try. “We have been involved in the broadcasting of the half marathon for years. We know how to do it, but we always try to innovate. This action is part of our future planning, adds Jacky Willaume. In 2025 we dream of making contact with the Americans who will be on a mission to the Moon. “
