Let's Get Started...
I try to break it down into different areas for you and hopefully make it simple.
What Amateur Radio Satellites Are
These are small spacecraft built and operated by the ham community, letting licensed operators communicate around the world — even with just a handheld radio and a small antenna.
Why They Matter
• Worldwide communication without cell towers
• STEM education and student-built satellites
• Space experimentation that actually works
• Emergency backup communications (grid-independent)
• International collaboration and goodwill
• STEM education and student-built satellites
• Space experimentation that actually works
• Emergency backup communications (grid-independent)
• International collaboration and goodwill
How They Work (Simple)
Satellites are basically flying repeaters. Operators uplink on one frequency and receive on another. The bird passes overhead for 5–15 minutes, and during that window, you can talk across continents.
What You Need to Get Started
• Technician license
• A dual-band handheld (like a Baofeng or Yaesu)
• A simple directional antenna (like an Arrow or homemade Yagi)
• A satellite tracking app
• A dual-band handheld (like a Baofeng or Yaesu)
• A simple directional antenna (like an Arrow or homemade Yagi)
• A satellite tracking app
Satellites You Can Work Right Now
• ISS (and APRS via ISS)
• SO-50
• AO-91/AO-92 historical examples
• New digital satellites and CubeSats frequently launching
• SO-50
• AO-91/AO-92 historical examples
• New digital satellites and CubeSats frequently launching
Where to Learn and Next Steps
• Subscribe for tutorials and upcoming pass alerts
• Join a local ham club or AMSAT
• Check the “Beginner Guide” page
• Explore live pass predictions on your site
• Join a local ham club or AMSAT
• Check the “Beginner Guide” page
• Explore live pass predictions on your site