Echoes of Apollo

Lore & Background

Echoes of Apollo was formed in January 2009 by Pat Barthelow (USA) and Robert Brand (Australia). Brand has worked on international space projects including Apollo 11 communications, while Barthelow has limited experience with bouncing amateur radio transmissions off the Moon (EME communications). The organisation's defining message is: 'Celebrating the past, Living the present; Promoting the future of space exploration.'

The organisation created World Moon Bounce Day, first celebrated on June 27, 2009 (GMT), with some events starting hours earlier. Countries around the world participate as the Earth turns, and during the 24-hour event the Moon is visible to all countries. The first World Moon Bounce Day featured Apollo astronaut Bill Anders as a guest, with his interview bounced off the Moon as part of the activities.

During the first event, the University of Tasmania in Australia used their 26m dish to bounce a data signal off the Moon's surface, which was received by a large dish in the Netherlands. The data signal was successfully resolved back to data, setting a world record for the lowest power data signal returned from the Moon with a transmit power of 3 mW—about 1,000th of the power of a strong flashlight filament globe. The next World Moon Bounce Day was scheduled for the month preceding Apollo 13's 40th anniversary in March or April 2010.

Reader's Guide

Echoes of Apollo is significant for its creation of World Moon Bounce Day, a global event that unites amateur and commercial radio operators in bouncing signals off the Moon. The first event in 2009 set a world record for the lowest power data signal returned from the Moon (3 mW), demonstrating the capabilities of amateur radio technology. The organisation's focus on space history and education, combined with its international collaboration, helps promote interest in space exploration. Its news clipping service provides regular updates on space missions and astronomy news, especially related to radio telescopes. The organisation's website offers significant information about the Apollo program and the communications network that supported it, preserving historical knowledge for future generations.

Did You Know?

• The first World Moon Bounce Day was celebrated on June 27, 2009 (GMT) with Apollo astronaut Bill Anders as a guest.
• A world record was set for the lowest power data signal returned from the Moon, using a transmit power of 3 mW.