The International Space Station cost more than US$100bil (RM401bil). A ham radio set can be had for a few hundred bucks.

Perhaps that explains, in part, the appeal of having one of humankind’s greatest scientific inventions communicate with Earth via technology that’s more than 100 years old. But perhaps there’s a simpler explanation for why astronauts and ham radio operators have been talking, and talking, for years.

Nasa astronaut Doug Wheelock was just a few weeks into his six-month mission at the space station when feelings of isolation began to set in.Wheelock would be separated from loved ones, save for communication via an Internet phone, email or social media. At times, the stress and tension of serving as the station’s commander could be intense.

One night, as he looked out a window at the Earth below, he remembered the space station’s ham radio. He figured he’d turn it on – see if anyone was listening.

Source:  https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2021/01/11/earthlings-and-astronauts-chat-away-via-ham-radio