Ham Radio and Astro on a shared journey of discovery

• Under the theme “Discover the Sky – Amateur Radio Meets Astronomy,” the dual exhibition showcases the close relationship between amateur radio and astronomy
• First German woman in space: Rabea Rogge reports on her spaceflight mission “Fram2”
• New Astro fair celebrates its debut in Friedrichshafen, parallel to Ham Radio

Friedrichshafen – Amateur radio, astronomy, and spaceflight all under one roof: From June 26 to 28, 2026, radio enthusiasts from around the world will once again be gathering in Friedrichshafen for Ham Radio. For the first time, Ham Radio will be complemented by Astro on Saturday, June 27, 2026. This new event will expand Europe’s largest amateur radio exhibition to include a dedicated supporting program focused on astronomy, astrophotography, and modern astronomical observation technology. “Whether long-standing radio amateurs, astronomy enthusiasts, or families on a journey of discovery, we want to inspire people to engage with technical topics and connect with one another,” says Project Manager Petra Rathgeber. In total, more than 400 exhibitors will be represented at the exhibition grounds, including 195 commercial exhibitors from Ham Radio and Astro, and around 230 participants in the radio and day flea market.

In Halls A1 to A4, companies and associations will present the latest developments in radio technology. Visitors will be able to browse Europe’s largest radio flea market, attend specialist lectures, listen in on live radio contacts, take examinations, and participate in hands-on activities for children and young people.

A shared spirit of discovery brings amateur radio and astronomy together

As an institutional partner, the German Amateur Radio Club (DARC) is deliberately placing this year’s theme at the heart of its supporting program. “Ham Radio is our association’s annual showcase, reflecting an organizational image that is dynamic, forward-looking, and technologically pioneering. This is particularly evident in this year’s theme: ‘Discover the Sky – Amateur Radio Meets Astronomy,’” says Christian Entsfellner, Chairman of DARC.

In 2026, the connection between amateur radio and astronomy will, for the first time, take physical form: Astro, a new platform for astronomy enthusiasts in southern Germany, will be launched alongside Ham Radio. In Hall B1, 35 exhibitors will present telescopes, cameras, instruments, and accessories. Specialist lectures, workshops, and live observations of the Sun will round out the program. “One major commonality is our enthusiasm for technology,” says Berthold Wassmuth, Chairman of the Astronomical Association of Lake Constance (Astronomische Vereinigung Bodensee). “There is also radio astronomy, which forms an exciting bridge between astronomy and amateur radio.”

Christian Entsfellner also sees great potential in the new event: “Whether satellite communications, astro direction finding, or tracking signals from the depths of space, astronomy and amateur radio share a common DNA rooted in a spirit of discovery.”

Experience spaceflight up close and personal

One of the highlights of the trade fair Saturday is the appearance by Rabea Rogge, who, as the first German woman in space, was part of the polar-orbit mission “Fram2.” Starting at noon, she will be signing her book “A Little (Outer) Space for Everyone: An Astronaut’s Thoughts on Expeditions, Robots, and Visions of the Future.” At 2 pm, she will speak in the Austria Room on “Fram2 Ham Mission – Amateur Radio During a Spaceflight Mission” and demonstrate the role amateur radio plays in modern space projects.

Discover, learn, and try things out

Both events are designed not only for experts and experienced hobbyists. A wide range of talks and hands-on activities invite families, technology enthusiasts, and curious minds to explore new topics and gain new insights. There’s also plenty on offer for the youngest visitors: at the Ham Rally, they can embark on a playful journey of discovery at various stands, while soldering stations will provide opportunities to get creative and try things out for themselves.

Tickets and opening hours

Ham Radio will take place from Friday, June 26, to Sunday, June 28, 2026. Opening hours will be 9 am to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9 am to 3 pm on Sunday. The Ham Radio day ticket also entitles you to admission to Astro on the Saturday of the trade fair. Parking on the fairgrounds is free of charge. Day tickets cost 24 euros at the box office and 17 euros when purchased online at https://www.hamradio-friedrichshafen.de/besuchen/oeffnungszeiten-tickets

Press contact:

Mona Dimitrow, Manager of Media Relations
Tel.: +49 7541 708-328
E-mail: mona.dimitrow@messe-fn.de

About Ham Radio

Europe’s largest amateur radio exhibition offers a comprehensive range of products and educational opportunities related to radio technology, providing a platform for radio enthusiasts worldwide to connect and share ideas. What sets Ham Radio apart is its unique mix of commercial exhibitors, globally networked associations, and Europe’s largest radio flea market. Expert talks, a diverse supporting program organized by the event’s non-commercial partner, the German Amateur Radio Club (DARC), activities for children and young people, live radio contacts, various license exams, career days, and teacher training sessions round out the extensive range of offerings.

About Astro

Astro is the new specialist trade fair for astronomy, astrophotography, and modern observation technology. As a new addition to Ham Radio, Astro expands the event to include an additional thematic focus. Exhibiting companies, observatories, and institutions will showcase a wide range of telescopes, instruments, cameras, filters, and accessories in Friedrichshafen. Expert lectures and workshops will round out the Astro exhibition, providing a platform for knowledge transfer, exchange, and purchasing opportunities.

About Messe Friedrichshafen

Messe Friedrichshafen GmbH is one of Germany’s leading trade fair companies and is located at the scenic meeting point of four countries along the shores of Lake Constance. Founded in 1950 to bolster the region’s economy, it has made a name for itself worldwide as an organizer and marketer of leisure and trade exhibitions. Its extensive portfolio includes congresses, corporate and sporting events, television productions, and live concerts. Each year, Messe Friedrichshafen attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and thousands of exhibiting companies from more than 100 countries to Lake Constance. With a total of 87,500 m² of exhibition space, the venue features twelve exhibition halls, two multifunctional foyers, and two outdoor areas in the inner courtyard measuring 15,500 m². Additionally, the Static Display area spans 20,000 m² and provides exceptional opportunities for engaging and dynamic trade fair experiences. The exhibition grounds, which are compact in design and include the Fair Lake adjacent to the airport as well as halls equipped with hangar doors, can accommodate a wide range of possible uses.