A Historic Live (ISS) Satellite Demo at Pransla, Gujarat amongst 12000 Students!

Dear Hams & Satellite Enthusiasts,

We are pleased to announce a truly historic Live (ISS) Satellite Communication Demonstration successfully conducted in Pransla village, Gujarat (India) on 29 December 2025—an event that stands out not only in the Indian amateur radio community, but possibly at a global level.


(Live Satellite Demo by Rajesh Vagadia VU2EXP amongst 12000 + Students)

A Historic Live (ISS) Satellite Demonstration at Pransla, Gujarat
12,000+ students witnessed real-time satellite communication with the International Space Station
As part of the 'Rastriya Katha Sibir' organized by Shri Vedik Mission Trust, an unprecedented live science and space outreach program was conducted with the active support of AMSAT-INDIA and UPARC (ISRO). The highlight of the event was a live two-way amateur radio satellite communication via the International Space Station (ISS), demonstrated by Rajesh Vagadia, VU2EXP, Regional Coordinator of AMSAT-INDIA and an experienced amateur satellite operator.

From as early as 7:00 AM, students began assembling, and by 8:00 AM, more than 12,000 students were assembled in a huge open ground—maintaining remarkable discipline and enthusiasm. This itself was an extraordinary sight and achievement.


(Live Satellite Demo organised by AMSAT-INDIA and UPARC (ISRO) Conducted by Rajesh Vagadia VU2EXP at Pransla Gujarat India)

Inspiring Young Minds: ISS, Astronauts, and Amateur Radio
The program began with an informative session by Rajesh VU2EXP where students were introduced, in simple and engaging language, to:

• What is the International Space Station (ISS) and its scientific importance
• How astronauts live, work & research in space / ISS
• ISS as a symbol of global collaboration
• The ARISS program and amateur radio operations from space
• Indian connections such as Sunita Williams (ARISS contacts, 2012) and Shubhanshu Shukla (via Axiom-4 mission, July 2025)

Basic yet essential concepts like ham radio, satellite communication, uplink & downlink, azimuth, elevation, frequencies, etc , and satellite tracking were explained so students could truly understand and enjoy the upcoming live ISS pass.


(AMSAT-INIDA Regional Coordinator Rajesh Vagadia VU2EXP Conducted Live ISS Satellite Demo at Pransla Gujarat India, UPARC - ISRO team incl Balaji & Amit Supported the event)

Live Contacts via ISS at 28,000 km/h
On 29th Dec 2025 at 08:47 AM IST, the ISS passed over Pransla Gujarat at an altitude of ~400 km, orbiting Earth at nearly 28,000 km/h. Using a portable satellite ground station, VU2EXP called CQ on the ISS cross band fm repeater. Within moments, the first response was received from VU2MZT (Dr. Kishor, Maharashtra)—triggering loud applause and excitement across the entire ground. The ISS downlink audio was amplified through a PA system, allowing all students to hear live signals coming via the ISS, mostly listening for the first time in their lives.

Subsequently, successful contacts were made with:

• VU2KYZ (Ashokbhai, Surat) – 59 strong signal reports exchanged
• VU2AAP (Amar, Hyderabad) – qso completed on the second attempt

In total, three confirmed two-way contacts were made during the single ISS pass. Despite challenges such as a brief power outage affecting the PA system and the physical complexity of managing microphones, antennas, tracking, logging, and public audio simultaneously, the demonstration concluded successfully and safely.


(It was possible Record event to have more than 12000 Students Learning about Ham Radio & ISS, and witnessing LIVE Satellite Communication Demo at Pransla Gujarat India, by Rajesh VU2EXP)


(Experienced Ham Radio Satellite Operator Rajesh Vagadia VU2EXP During ISS Live Demo at Pransla Gujarat India)


(Possible World Record Audience of 12000 Students during Live Satellite Demo conducted at Pransla Gujarat India by Rajesh Vagadia VU2EXP)

A Rare and Possibly Record-Breaking Achievement
Conducting a live (ISS) satellite communication demonstration:

• In a huge open ground
• With 12,000+ students present at a time
• Maintaining discipline, safety, and clarity of communication
• And completing multiple successful contacts via ISS FM Repeater

…is possibly a rare or unique achievement at the global level in the field of amateur radio and science outreach. The event stands as a testament to careful planning, technical expertise, teamwork, and unwavering commitment.

Satellite Demo YouTube Video Clip



YouTube Short Clip
https://youtube.com/shorts/zSpYvA8G0jE?si=WcK-EoqS-rXV6Knn

Support, Collaboration, and Gratitude
This historic event was made possible through the outstanding cooperation and guidance of:

• UPARC (ISRO) –
  Balaji VU2JEL and Amit VU34AK for continuous management and logistical support
• AMSAT-INDIA –
  Nitin VU2JEK (Secretary) and the AMSAT-INDIA team for technical support
• Shri Vedik Mission Trust –
  Acharya Shri Dharmabandhu Swamiji, Shri Dipakbhai, for the organizing support

Special appreciation is due to the military personnel, BSF, teachers, organizers, and numerous volunteers, whose efforts ensured exemplary discipline and smooth execution for such a massive gathering.

We sincerely thank the stations who successfully worked the ISS pass:

• VU2MZT – OM Kishor
• VU2KYZ – OM Ashokbhai
• VU2AAP – OM Amar

We are equally grateful to all amateurs who tried, supported, coordinated, recorded, or encouraged our effort, including: VU2SPF, VU2KOC, VU2JEK, VU3XFQ, VU3YFD, VU2UUU, VU2TEK, and many others.

Heartfelt thanks also to my XYL Kiran and my entire family for their constant encouragement and support behind the scenes.

Global Appreciation and Impact
The achievement has received warm appreciation and congratulations from across India and internationally, including leaders and members from:

• AMSAT communities worldwide
  
• ARISS Chairman
• Indian Astronaut Angad Pratap
• Space scientists from ISRO
• ARSI & GIAR representatives
• International amateur radio and satellite operators

Most importantly, the event ignited curiosity, inspiration, and dreams among thousands of students—transforming space science from textbook theory into a live, unforgettable experience.

An Experimental Follow-Up: PocketCube Satellite Demo (30 Dec 2025)
On 30 December 2025, an additional experimental live satellite demonstration was conducted for a smaller group of approximately 120 students. This session was aimed to provide a comparative learning experience using a much smaller satellite.

The satellite chosen was HADES-ICM (SO-125), a PocketCube satellite.

• AOS: 11:08 AM IST
• Pass elevation: ~75°
• Grid: ML51AS (Pransla)

Students were first briefed on the basics of ham radio and satellite communication. VU2EXP operated using a portable ground station, and after a few calls, a strong downlink signal was received from VU2JEK (OM Nitin, Bangalore)—59, loud and clear. A comfortable QSO and report exchange followed. Despite an excellent overhead pass, no additional stations were copied until LOS.

Fun Facts: Two Days, Two Satellites, One Big Lesson
Comparing the two demonstrations became a powerful educational moment:

29 Dec Demo 30 Dec Demo
ISS SO-125 (HADES-ICM)
Space Station PocketCube
~420 tons ~400 grams
~110 meters ~5 × 5 × 8 cm
~25 W ~0.25 W
12,000 students 120 students
3 stations worked 1 station worked
This comparison helped students clearly understand how scale, power, altitude, and antenna systems directly influence satellite communication —turning abstract theory into lived experience.

--------------------

Promotional Activity
UPARC (ISRO) & AMSAT-INDIA also kept a Booth to display & educate with amateur radio stuff & services to thousands of sibir students & visitors. Local SSTV & VHF demo was conducted by our team; Balaji VU2JEL, Amit VU34AK & Rajesh VU2EXP.

With continued guidance from organizations like AMSAT-INDIA and UPARC (ISRO), and collective efforts of the amateur radio fraternity, space education is becoming more accessible, practical, and inspiring for the next generation.


(UPARC ISRO - AMSAT-INDIA Stall at Pransla Gujarat India, VU2EXP Rajesh engaged in explaining Scout & Guide people)


(AMSAT-INDIA's Rajesh Vagadia VU2EXP and UPARC ISRO team Balaji VU2JEL & Amit VU34AK promoting Amateur Radio and Satellite Communication at Pransla Gujarat India)


(AMSAT-INDIA and UPARC ISRO Stall at Pransla Gujarat India)


(Shri Dharmabandhuji Swami blessed/felicitate AMSAT-INDIA and UPARC ISRO team, Rajesh VU2EXP with Rocket model, Portable Satellite Ground Station prepared by Rajesh VU2EXP)

It was great time we spend in Pransla for this magnificent Satellite Demo event plus Ham Radio Promotional activity - just mesmerizing!
Thanks
73

Rajesh Vagadia, VU2EXP
Regional Coordinator – AMSAT-INDIA
Pransla / Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Email: vu2exp (@) gmail (dot) com
www.qrz.com/db/vu2exp

 

best news of the new year !

 

Hats off for your great achievements!!! Datta Deogaonkar. VU2DSI.Ahilyanagar. 414006. India.

 

Thank you KO6KL, yes certainly it is.
73 de Rajesh VU2EXP

 

Dattaji VU2DSI, Thank you so much for your encouragement & motivation for our activities.
Event concluded nicely with lots of queries in field of Ham Radio and Satellite Communications.
Thanks & 73
de Rajesh Vagadia VU2EXP

 

Wonderful

 

Dear Rajeshbhai its a wonderful experience to talk with you from ISS reapeter, congratulations for great event
73 de vu2kyz -Ashok

 

Thank you Dr. Kishor VU2MZT for compliments. It was great experience to have Satellite QSO with you in presence of 12000+ students, just incredible experience!
Thank you,
73 Rajesh VU2EXP

 

Thank you dear Ashokbhai VU2KYZ for all your support & compliments. You are also equally thankful for this great demo! I am glad to work you via ISS fm repeater. Was really a mesmerizing audience & good pass.
Will catch you sometime soon.
Thank you
73
Rajesh Vagadia VU2EXP

 

Awesome "out of this world" demonstration Rajesh VU2EXP!
Paraphrasing Armstrong <That's one small step for man, one giant leap for satellite communications>

 

Wow... that's great compliments Luis WP4ROA.
Thank you for encouraging us for such activity.
73 de Rajesh VU2EXP

 

The crowd appears absolutely clueless as to what's going on.
Between the screeching microphone feedback & the clown who keeps pointing the camera at himself I have no idea if a valid QSO was even made.

Tom KHO/KCOW

 

Thank you Thomas KC0W for taking time to watch this thread & video clips.

Sorry for not able to convince you!

Btw you had a very nice profile on qrz.com page.

enjoy hamming.
73
De Rajesh Vagadia VU2EXP

 

Great for India, it will boost interest in Ham Radio , so we will have more chance to contact you guys!

 

Dear Carol, yes our objective was the same as you said - to develop interest and increase numbers of hams in VU Land. Thank you for your appreciation.
73 de Rajesh VU2EXP