The Space Jamboree Workshop (Space Jam) 9 STEM/Scouting merit badge workshop in Rantoul, Illinois, once again will have the opportunity to host an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. Astronaut Kjell Lindgren, KO5MOS, is on tap to conduct the over-the-air interview on Saturday, August 8 (16:57:49 UTC). Lindgren arrived at the ISS in July. Audio from the 2 meter contact between NA1SS on the space station and IK1SLD in Italy will be relayed via telebridge to the Space Jam 9 site. While SpaceJam is primarily a weekend Scouting and STEM education event, it is open to all interested youth. This year’s theme is “Out of this World Training.”

“Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from 24 states have come together in an educational and fun format to learn more about the life skills that will prepare them for the increasingly complex technological future,” a Space Jam 9 media release said.

The Boy Scouts of America have called Space Jam “the scouting technology event of the year.” Upward of 3500 took part in Space Jam 2014.

The Midwest’s largest technology-oriented Scout gathering is sponsored by Venture Crew 272 of Fountain County, Indiana, and Scout Troop 17 of Champaign, Illinois. The major thrust behind Space Jam is to inspire youthful participants to consider careers in science and engineering, education, technology, and related fields. It takes place August 7-9 near the Chanute Air Museum in Rantuol.

During their stay at Space Jam 9, attendees will be choosing from among more than 40 technology-oriented Scout merit badges and activities, including an Amateur Radio licensing class.

The NA1SS FM signal will be audible in parts of Europe on 145.800 MHz.