In an exciting development for both the scouting and space engineering communities, the Hume Region Scout Fellowship has provided crucial online training resources and support for members of BlueSat, the University of New South Wales’ student-led space engineering projects society.
This collaboration has culminated in a practical assessment for Amateur Radio Foundation Certificates, having taken place at the UNSW campus on Monday afternoon, 14th October.
BlueSat, known for its cutting-edge student projects in satellite and space engineering, has recognised the value of Amateur Radio in advancing its work. With a group of 15 BlueSat members eager to gain their Foundation License, the Hume Region Scout Fellowship stepped in to offer the required training. The Fellowship facilitated online learning, tailored specifically to the group’s needs, covering all aspects of the Foundation License, from technical theory to practical knowledge, including an online face-to-face session.
The culmination of this training will be an on-site assessment at the University, led by experienced Amateur Radio operators, Nathan VK2FOX and David VK2DU. This is the first major project between BlueSat and Hume Region Scouts Fellowship, marking the start of what is hoped to be a long-term relationship. Both groups have a shared interest in radio communication, innovation, and technology, and the partnership opens exciting new opportunities for future collaboration.
“Amateur Radio plays a critical role in satellite communications and space exploration,” said a spokesperson from BlueSat. “With this new partnership, we hope to continue expanding the capabilities of our student teams, while also engaging with the broader Amateur Radio community. We’re grateful for the support of the Hume Region Scout Fellowship in making this possible.”
Hume Region Scout Fellowship has from our beginnings been committed to fostering new learning opportunities within the scouting community and beyond. By helping BlueSat members obtain their Foundation Licenses, they are not only providing valuable skills but also encouraging the next generation of space engineers to explore the broader applications of radio technology.
The training and assessment provided by the Fellowship serve as a vital stepping stone, preparing the BlueSat team to integrate Amateur Radio into their future space engineering projects. Many of the members see this as the start of a new era, where the practical benefits of radio communication will enhance their work and exploration of space-related technologies.
Both organisations are optimistic about the future of their collaboration. If all goes well with this cohort, the Hume Region Scout Fellowship and BlueSat hope to expand their efforts, offering regular training, workshops, and collaborative projects that bring the worlds of scouting and space engineering closer together.
With this initiative, the Hume Region Scout Fellowship demonstrates its ongoing commitment to promoting education and development in emerging fields, while BlueSat members gain essential skills that could serve them in their future careers in space engineering and beyond.
It’s a partnership that not only benefits the participants but also highlights the growing importance of Amateur Radio in today’s high-tech world.
David VK2DU
Hume Region Scout Fellowship Secretary.
