Glad to hear that Patrick found a 2 m ham radio to listen in on the ISS. Yes, the current crew on ISS is active on air and 2-way contacts are possible with a 5 watt radio if you are licensed. Two months ago the Dixie Amateur Radio Club set up a station at a boy scout gathering in Hurricane that enabled a dozen scouts to ask astronaut Doug Wheelock, in real time, questions about what life was like on the ISS. Several scouts subsequently expressed an interest in pursuing a career in science or engineering! It is now easier than ever to get your ham license, the technician class license requires only answering some easy regulatory and simple technical questions, code is no longer required for any class of license. Google UARC, DARC or contact me here or at ki7L@arrl.net for more information. I've been having fun with ham radio for 50 years! Steve