NASA astronaut Scott Tingle earns Amateur Radio license and is now owner of call sign KG5NZA

“NASA Astronaut Scott D. Tingle has just earned his Amateur Radio license, passing his exam on June 3, 2016. The FCC issued the call sign, KG5NZA, to him on June 8.

In January, as he began some NASA training in Russia he requested the license study material. He had heard about ARISS during his astronaut training, and in January, decided to study on his own.

The astronaut training program runs for at least two years, is intense, and heavily loaded with all types of required studies, and Amateur Radio is optional. Tingle earned his technician license and plans to use it to support ARISS during his scheduled time on the International Space Station as part of the Expedition 53 crew. Launch is tentatively planned for fall of 2017. His stay continues into Expedition 54.

Tingle graduated from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, in 1988 with a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in fluid mechanics and propulsion. A captain in the United States Navy, he has served as a combat pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan and has earned copious awards and commendations. He was selected for the astronaut program in 2009 as one of 14 members of NASA Astronaut Group 20, and graduated in 2011.

ARISS Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, said, “The ARISS Team is excited to see continuing great interest among the Astronauts and Astronaut Candidates who are looking forward to supporting Amateur Radio activities through the ARISS platform.”… Read More

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