UNIVERSITY SCHOOL CHOSEN FOR CONTACT WITH NASA ASTRONAUTS IN
FLIGHT
 
An exciting program for students in the area of space
science, using the school's permanent, full-size space
shuttle simulator and simulated flights, is underway here at
University School in Cleveland.
 
University School has been chosen by NASA astronauts as one
of ten schools for contact during the spring launch of space
shuttle mission STS-37 by NASA (tentatively, April). The
astronuats will talk live from the shuttle to the selected
schools across the country. During that mission University
School "astronauts," operating another simulated space
mission, will be able to talk directly to NASA's real
astronauts in orbit. The initial phase of the link to the
space shuttle is via amateur radio.
 
During the spring mission University School will also be
involved in numerous educational and communication
activities as itemized on the attached list. Additionally
University School has the following activities planned for
the future:
 
1. A simulated interstellar voyage via computer
telecommunications involving a number of schools nationwide.
This activity will begin on April 8, 1991
 
2. Several shorter simulated space shuttle missions
 
3. A complete six-week program in space science
 
4. A variety of activities during International Space Year
in 1992
 
5. Workshops for teachers in space science education
 
University School is a private, non-sectarian boys school
for grades K-12 located in suburban Cleveland. Founded in
1890, the school maintains high standards and has developed
a number of programs as a model school.
 
================================================================
 
ACTIVITIES DURING UNIVERSITY SCHOOL'S SPRING, 1991 SIMULATED
SPACE SHUTTLE MISSION
 
1. During University School's simulated space shuttle mission,
contact with the real space shuttle will be made. University
School was selected by the astronaut crew of STS-37 as one of
the schools to make this contact, a remarkable first-hand
educational experience.
 
2. A number of local schools will be invited to see the
mission and the contact with NASA's astronauts.
 
3. Ohio area "Young Astronauts" clubs will be invited to visit
to see the mission in action.
 
4. Using a nationwide computer connection, a number of schools
across the country will participate, via computer, in the
mission. These schools will act as alternate,landing sites,
scientific stations, and solar flare observatories and will
send regular reports to our mission control via nationwide
computer network through the "Free-net" information service of
the National Public Telecommunications Network, based at Case
Western Reserve University in Cleveland and directed by Dr.
Thomas Grundner.
 
5. A technician from Cleveland's NASA Lewis Research Center,
Mr. Timothy Dedula, will be on hand to assist with operations
and help in the use of amateur radio equipment.
 
6. The amateur radio repeater at Cleveland's NASA Lewis
Research Center will be used for one part of the radio link to
the space shuttle. Interested parties who own scanners can
listen to the activity on their scanners. The frequency will
be provided.
 
7. University School will operate a "special event" amateur
radio station covering a wide range of frequencies to
commemorate the event. Amateur radio operators from around the
world will have the opportunity to talk to our students about
what is happening.
 
8. Users of the Cleveland Free-net computer information system
will see regular reports of activities. Reports will be sent
nationally to universities and users connected to the national
"internet" system.
 
9. University School will attempt to contact the shuttle using
automated computer "packet" radio equipment in addition to the
arranged contact via voice radio.
 
10. Demonstrations related to space technology will occur at
the school during the entire school day.
 
Robert E. Morgan Director of Space Science Programs University
School 20701 Brantley Rd. Shaker Heights, OH 44122 216-321-8260