SAREX BACKGROUND AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

[Ed. Note: This information is provided by the American Radio Relay League's
           Educational Activities Department]

WHAT IS SAREX?-

SAREX is the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment.   With the help of Amateur Radio
clubs and ham radio operators, astronauts will speak over the ham airwaves,
while in orbit, directly with large groups of students, showing teachers,
parents and communities how Amateur Radio energizes youngsters about science,
technology, and learning.  NASA's intent in making astronauts available for
SAREX operations is to involve the largest possible numbers of people,
particularly youngsters, in technology and the US space program with the help
of Amateur Radio. 

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and The Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation (AMSAT) co-sponsor these exciting experiments, with AMSAT heading
up technical operations.  Hundreds of Amateur Radio operators work behind the
scenes, including those from NASA's Amateur Radio clubs at the Johnson Space
Center, Goddard Space Flight Center and Marshall Space Flight Center.  The ARRL
takes the lead with information and educational support.  ARRL Educational
Activities Department (EAD) and NASA HQ will create lesson plans for teachers.

SAREX WORKING GROUP MEMBERS:-

A SAREX Working Group is comprised of Roy Neal, K6DUE -Chairman; Rosalie White,
WA1STO -American Radio Relay League (ARRL); Frank Bauer, KA3HDO -Radio Amateur
Satellite Corporation (AMSAT); and Lou McFadin, W5DID -NASA Johnson Space
Center.

SAREX EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND FREE INFORMATION:-

You can easily become a part of this activity in your local schools.  You will
be able to send and receive messages to the shuttle via packet (computer) radio
several times daily. The astronauts' work schedules will determine your chances
for a voice or television message.

All you need to provide is a 2-meter radio or a packet radio setup--which many
teachers get from local Amateur Radio clubs.  If you are a teacher or
instructor, contact ARRL EAD to get a list of local Amateur Radio clubs in your
area.  We'll also send you SAREX lesson plans and regular shuttle news updates.
If you are a parent or a grandparent, contact ARRL EAD and a local school.  EAD
will send you materials, including ways to convince teachers and school
administrators that Amateur Radio is an important discipline the school should
take advantage of on a full-time basis.  This a tremendous opportunity for you
to showcase SAREX and Amateur Radio to kids of all ages in a big way. Plan on
being a part of it; contact ARRL EAD, today.

Write to Tracy Bedlack, the ARRL Educational Correspondent at:    

       ATT: Tracy Bedlack, N1QDO
            Educational Correspondent 
            225 Main Street,  Newington CT 06111
            Phone (203) 666-1541  FAX (203) 665-7531

       MCI Mail ID: 215-5052
       CompuServe ID: 70007,3373
       Prodigy: MGTS39A - Luck Hurder
       BIX: ARRL
       Internet (USENET): ead@arrl.org
       Internet file server: info@arrl.org (valid commands
                             include INDEX and HELP)
       ARRL BBS:  (203) 666-0578 open to the public
                  (14,000/9600/2400/1200/300 N-8-1)


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