The VHF handheld transceiver that the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program has used to connect students worldwide with astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) for more than 16 years has begun to display an error message and is unusable at this time.

While the ARISS technical team evaluates the best path to restore operation from the ISS Columbus module, ARISS contacts will be supported using the Kenwood radio in the Russian Service Module.

During this period, the packet digipeater will be unavailable. Switching to the 70 centimeter capability on board the Columbus module for some operations is being coordinated. ARISS said to expect further updates as it works to resolve the problem. — ARISS Bulletin