Astro Pi Mission Zero Challenge Offers Youth Chance to Run Code Aboard ISS

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Astro Pi Mission Zero Challenge Offers Youth Chance to Run Code Aboard ISS

European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut and amateur radio operator Sophie Adenot, KJ5LTN, is now aboard the International Space Station following her launch on the SpaceX Crew-12 mission on 13th February 2026 and docking on 14th February 2026. With about one month remaining before submissions close for the Astro Pi Mission Zero coding challenge on 23rd March 2026, her mission highlights ongoing opportunities for young people to run their own code aboard the space station.

Astro Pi Mission Zero, organised by ESA in partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and the European Space Education Resource Office (ESERO), gives young people the chance to have their code run in space. Participants write a short Python program that reads data from the Astro Pi colour and luminosity sensor aboard the ISS and uses it to set the background colour of a personalised image displayed for astronauts as they go about their daily tasks inside the Columbus laboratory module.

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Victory in Scotland for Amateur's Tower Installation

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Victory was never sweeter for a ham in Scotland who has successfully appealed the local planners' rejection of his tower plans.

The foundations dug and the concrete base with anchor bolts installed, the greatest obstacle facing John Grieve, GM3RTI’s tower project, has been the Scottish winter weather, so John needs to proceed slowly with pulleys, wire ropes and other work; but it was only a few months ago that he could not proceed at all.

Despite supporting statements from neighbours and the Radio Society of Great Britain, the local Perth and Kinross Council rejected John’s planning application for the tilt-over, telescoping structure in the garden behind his home in the village of Inchture. It was to have had an operating height of 15 metres, or 50 feet. John had little opportunity to communicate directly with the Council beforehand. The rejection stated that the project would “have a detrimental impact on the character and environmental quality of the application property and the surrounding area.”

John, who is also an RSGB Region 2 representative, contacted the RSGB Planning Advisory Committee for an appeal in October. In mid-December 2025, he received a 10-year approval. John also gained enthusiastic support on social media: an update on the RSGB’s Facebook page reached more than 35,000 supporters in just a few days, according to society spokeswoman Heather Parsons M7OWS.

Hams Respond to Tragedy In Chilean Andes

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An annual occasion that celebrates strength, courage and pride in a free homeland ended in tragedy in the Andes Mountains, even as amateur radio operators mobilised to help with their best efforts. 

Riding horseback across the mountains each year recalls a defining moment of independence for South American nations. This year's 209th anniversary ride of the Crossing of the Andes under Jose de San Martin and the Army of the Andes, led to an emergency evacuation of one rider in early February. As the mounted expedition began its return trip home through Chile in the early evening, the woman suffered a serious fall from her horse.

Writing in the Forums section of QRZ.com, Carlos Almirón, LU7DSY, said that the San Felipe Provincial Radio Club, CE2REU, sent out a call for emergency assistance through the Chilean ham radio network. The Los Molinos Radio Club of Villa Alemana, CE2CQ, provided GPS coordinates for the mountains' La Vega section. As ground resources and a helicopter were dispatched, the Los Molinos hams continued their coordination with the expeditioners through a link with the San Felipe Provincial Radio Club. The rescue teams arrived, performed CPR followed by an evacuation. It was later reported that the rider had died from her injuries while being treated at the hospital.