The International Space Station's Russian commander took manual control of an approaching cargo ship Saturday, overriding the freighter's autopilot after it experienced an apparent problem getting oriented toward the outpost.

Expedition 23 commander Oleg Kotov was instructed by Russian flight controllers at 2:12 p.m. EDT to activate the TORU system, which uses video screens and joysticks to remotely fly the Progress M-05M spacecraft from inside the space station. The vessel was unable to get situated in the proper attitude after completing one of the propulsion maneuvers when nearing the station, NASA reported.

From top left Iz7PFU Massimiliano; Ik7GVK Rino
from bottom left I7PHH Gianni; Iz7EVR Michele
's Friend I7DN Padre Pio attended the event

SUCCESSFUL ARISS CONTACT WITH DE GASPERI SCHOOL IN BARI, ITALY

Tuesday, 6 April 2010 at 12:46'19" UTC, i.e. 12:46'19" local time, Alcide De Gasperi School at "Cittadella Mediterranea della Scienza", promoted by University of Bari, Italy established a direct radio contact with NASA astronaut Timothy J. Creamer KC5WKI on board the International Space Station.

Mr. Michele Mallardi, IZ7EVR operated the radio contact. The questions were read by pupils and one teacher of De Gasperi School in Noicattaro, near Bari, South Italy. The contact site is located at "Cittadella Mediterranea della Scienza", promoted by University of Bari. The "Cittadella Mediterranea della Scienza" is a permanent structure whose main aim is to diffuse scientific culture and related technologies.

Audio File: 

Bari.mp3