One of my favorite subjects is the study of our solar system and man explorations of the moon. For my lifetime, I would wonder about when we would return to the moon. Happily, the launch of Artemis II renewed my hope for more great milestones in manned space exploration. Like many, following the Artemis II flight is a bit of an obsession and using my Allstar Radio to do so, was just a fun little project during the flight. In 2026, it is very easy to hear these transmissions as they are simulcast on Nasa.gov and a variety of YouTube channels, but my radio was in the radio transmissions.
Prior to the launch, I updated my Allstar Radio and really improved the performance and quality of my node radio. These updates will be the subject of a later post.
Allstar Radio
AllStar Radio, commonly known as AllStarLink in the amateur radio community, is a global VoIP-based network that connects analog FM repeaters, remote base stations, and personal hotspots for licensed ham radio operators. Running on open-source software Asterisk PBX , it allows users to link their local radios to nodes worldwide via the internet, extending communication far beyond traditional radio range. Whether you’re chatting locally, joining nets, or reaching operators on the other side of the globe, AllStar turns everyday FM transceivers into a powerful, interconnected radio system without needing digital modes or expensive equipment.
After searching Allstarlink.org, I found that node 28247 operated by the Hamilton Wireless Radio Club was broadcasting the NASA Audio. Prior to the launch, I connected to node 28247 and was extremely happy to hear prelaunch communications. At the time, just a few other radio nodes were connected however all of the transmissions are crystal clear.
Launch Day
Millions of people tuned into to watch the launch and I was not different. We had the television tuned in, along with my computer, and my little Allstar Node. Every youtube channel, we watched and the television channels all had commentators talking, commercial breaks and shoutouts to super chats. Once in a while they would included the NASA audio, however typically they would repeat and reinterpret what was going on well after the radio call outs. There was something very cool about listening to the astronauts communicating with NASA over radio.
Closest Approach and the Lunar Encounter
n Monday, April 6th, 2026, the crew of Artemis II approached the moon and like many, I listened on my Allstar node radio and watched one youtube with no commentary.
At one time, during the approach, Allstar Node 28247 had 29 connections.
Regardless of how you followed along, it is fantastic that NASA is finally getting out of Low Earth Orbit after almost a lifetime. Listening to the radio transmissions between the astronauts really made the experience feel closer to home.
I will definately be listening to the remainder of the Artimis II flight, and others. Hopefully, I can find an Allstar node with supplies a SpaceX radio feed in the future.
Finally, I would like to thank the Hamilton Wireless Radio Club fo their Allstar Node and making the NASA Audio feed available.