ARISS Europe Opens Application Window for School Contacts with Astronauts on the International Space Station – Schools and youth organizations across Europe, Africa and the Middle East invited to apply between 1 September and 23 October 2026
Credits: Oliver Amend, DG6BCE, ARISS Europe Chairman, ARISS International Vice Chairman
Bremen, 1 September 2026 – ARISS Europe (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) has opened its latest application window for educational radio contacts between schools and astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Schools and youth organizations located within the ARISS Europe service area of IARU Region 1 are invited to submit their applications and educational projects between 1 September and 23 October 2026. Selected contacts will be scheduled and conducted between July and December 2027.
The ARISS program enables students to establish a live amateur radio connection with the ISS and speak directly with an astronaut in orbit. During the approximately ten-minute contact, students have the unique opportunity to ask questions about life and work in space and receive answers directly from aboard the International Space Station. The experience combines space exploration, science, technology, and amateur radio with hands-on educational activities.
ARISS Europe encourages schools of all levels, as well as youth organizations from countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East within the IARU Region 1 area to participate. Applicants are required to develop and submit an educational project related to space, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or other STEM-oriented subjects. An experienced ARISS mentor will guide applicants throughout the selection process and assist successful schools in preparing for and conducting their ISS contact.
The selection process will take place in December 2026. ARISS strongly recommends that interested organizations submit their applications as early as possible and avoid waiting until the final days of the application window.
Further information, application requirements, supporting documentation and access to the online application form can be found on the ARISS Europe website:
https://www.ariss-eu.org/index.php/school-contacts/announcement
About ARISS
ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) is an international educational outreach program conducted in cooperation with space agencies and amateur radio organizations worldwide. Its mission is to inspire young people to pursue interests in space exploration, science, technology, engineering and international cooperation. Through direct radio contacts with astronauts aboard the ISS, students gain a unique insight into human spaceflight and life in orbit.