In an article I read that an astronaut can call in the evening via laptop and internet with his family. So is there a normal Internet connection from the ISS to Earth? Does this work via satellite? Can astronauts make phone calls as often as they like in their free time? What problems can occur?
The connection must work.
If there's an internet connection, the astronauts can also contact their families.
How? Well, how on earth!
How often? Since you ask the best ESA. "As crew support, she (Susanne Altenburger, 29) ensures that European astronauts can make regular phone calls or video contacts with their families on Earth." I then organize where and when the family conference takes place, "she says App and tablet computer with one to one and a half hour slots available. "However, there must be satellite coverage for the reception."
As far as I know, the connections are in any case encrypted and, of course, handled via the communications satellites.
But I do not understand the meaning of the question, because for us non-spacers it does not matter. And whatever we say here, we certainly do not have first hand, but from news from the press, radio and television, which are also accessible to you.
Thanks for the answer! I've previously googled, but found only vague articles, with no precise time and technical background. Incidentally, my internet cable on the ground comes from a cable in the wall. I doubt that there's a cable hanging up to the ISS. Hence my question, whether they have a special satellite or similar. (Thanks for your answer regarding this) Thank you also for the reference to the ESA. Exactly this "regular" I would like to know more exactly, because even once a week or a month could be "regular". The meaning of the question: I need this for a project.
Okay, the project would of course have been part of the question. But no matter, maybe this article will help:
"20 clock: By now, is closing time, and the so-called pre-sleep phase begins.
Here Alexander Gerst can also enjoy music without disturbing others. The laptop with internet access can be used to make phone calls with family and friends on Earth. "
(Source: https://www.welt.de/...erst.html)
And the communication goes through the satellites. Three in geostationary orbit are enough to cover the earth's surface (the polar regions are a little worse off). But there are also satellites in nearer orbit and in polar orbits. In the meantime, almost every place is accessible at any time.
