In 1953, Ross Bateman, W4AO, and Bill Smith, W3GKP, achieved a significant milestone in amateur radio by successfully hearing the echoes of their own 2-meter signal reflected from the Moon. Operating from a station in Virginia, they conducted this groundbreaking experiment, demonstrating the feasibility of Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) or “moonbounce” communication. This achievement marked the first time amateur radio operators had used the Moon as a passive reflector to establish a communication link. The experiment showcased the potential of EME as a mode for long-distance communication, inspiring further experimentation and advancements in VHF and UHF communication techniques within the amateur radio community.

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