YOTA Austria 2026 – Day 3
Day four at YOTA Summer Camp 2026 has undoubtedly been one of the most memorable days of the week so far. From speaking directly to an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to emergency communications exercises, youth engagement and plenty of time on the air, it was a day that perfectly showcased the many facets of amateur radio.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the ARISS contact with astronaut Sophie Adenot, KJ5LTN, aboard the ISS. Before the 10-minute pass, the atmosphere in the room was incredibly tense. With over one hundred young radio amateurs, local and national media, and representatives from the Austrian military all gathered around a single radio station, everyone eagerly waited for the first response from space. It was an unforgettable moment when Sophie’s voice came back loud and clear.
The UK team had been allocated three questions during the contact. Tom, M1TJM asked whether electrical equipment aboard the ISS causes interference to the onboard amateur radio station. Sophie explained that, while interference does exist, much of it actually originates from outside the spacecraft and cannot always be eliminated. Hearing a response directly from an astronaut orbiting hundreds of kilometres above the Earth was an incredible experience and a real privilege for the RSGB team. Unfortunately, the pass came to an end before Milo, M9ILO and Henry, M0KUQ were able to ask their questions, demonstrating just how precious every second of an ISS pass really is.
Following the contact, Tom and Milo were both interviewed by local Austrian media, while Henry’s photograph featured in national news coverage of the event. It was fantastic to see amateur radio and YOTA receiving such positive publicity.
The afternoon focused on emergency communications, where Milo took on the role of Chief of Staff during a simulated emergency exercise. Using amateur radio to coordinate communications under pressure highlighted just how valuable our hobby can be when conventional methods of communication fail.
Another highlight of the day was a series of presentations from each national team, sharing what is already being done to encourage young people into amateur radio and discussing ideas for the future. Representing the RSGB team, Milo gave an excellent presentation highlighting many of the fantastic youth initiatives already taking place in the UK. In particular, he showcased the RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park and its hands-on public demonstrations. He explained how giving people the opportunity to experience amateur radio first-hand is one of the best ways of inspiring the next generation. It was fascinating to hear the ideas from other countries too, with everyone sharing experiences that could be adapted and developed back home.
There was also plenty of opportunity to get on the air. Milo enjoyed making contacts on 20m with stations in both Russia and Ukraine, holding both QSOs in his mother tongue – Russian! Later in the evening, Tom spent around two hours operating OE2YOTA on 15m and 20m, making approximately 50 QSOs across Europe. Among the highlights were contacts with Ken, G0BPN and Matt, M0LYI from the Bishop Auckland Radio Amateurs’ Club. It was great to catch up with familiar voices from home, although neither quite surpassed the memorable contact with the RSGB Youth Committee Vice-Chair Leon Shaw, M0VUF, operating GB0YOTA on 40m the previous day.
Another rewarding moment came when we reminded everyone at YOTA camp about the HAREC and explained how eligible operators can apply for a reciprocal UK Full amateur radio licence. The response was overwhelming, with a queue quickly forming after the session and dozens of messages arriving from participants keen to find out more. Hopefully, there will soon be a few more UK call signs appearing on the bands!
Whether speaking to an astronaut aboard the ISS, taking part in emergency communications, sharing ideas on encouraging young people into amateur radio or introducing fellow operators to licensing opportunities in the UK, today has been an unforgettable demonstration of just how diverse and exciting our hobby can be. It’s a day none of us will forget.
73 from the RSGB team in Austria!
Category: Your stories
