How to Get a Ham Radio License for Satellite Communication

You don't need to work for SpaceX or NASA to communicate with objects in space. With a ham radio license and relatively affordable equipment, you can listen to weather satellites, bounce signals off the International Space Station, and make contacts through amateur radio satellites orbiting hundreds of kilometers above Earth.

Amateur radio satellite communication (or "AMSAT" operations, named after the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) is one of the most accessible ways for enthusiasts to directly interact with space technology. Here's how to get started.

Why Do You Need a License?

Amateur radio frequencies are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States and equivalent agencies worldwide. Transmitting without a license is illegal and can bring FCC enforcement action, including fines. The license exists to ensure operators understand radio frequency principles, avoid interference with other services, and use allocated frequencies responsibly.

The good news: you can listen without a license. If you just want to receive satellite signals (weather imagery from NOAA satellites, telemetry from CubeSats, or ISS voice communications), no license is required. A license is only needed when you want to transmit.

U.S. License Classes

The FCC issues three classes of amateur radio license, each granting progressively more frequency privileges:

Technician Class (Entry Level)

• Test: 35 multiple-choice questions covering basic radio theory, regulations, and operating practices.
• Frequencies: Full privileges on VHF (144-148 MHz) and UHF (420-450 MHz) bands, the primary bands used for satellite communication.
• Satellite capability: A Technician license is sufficient for most amateur satellite operations, including ISS contacts and FM satellite passes.
• Cost: The FCC application fee is $35. Exam sessions are administered by volunteer examiners (VEs) through organizations like ARRL VEC, W5YI, and Laurel VEC (Laurel sessions are free).

General Class

• Test: 35 additional questions on intermediate radio theory and HF operating practices.
• Frequencies: Adds most HF (shortwave) band privileges. Useful for non-satellite long-distance communication but not required for most satellite work.

Amateur Extra Class

• Test: 50 questions on advanced electronics, radio wave propagation, and regulations.
• Frequencies: Full privileges on all amateur bands. Relevant for advanced satellite modes and EME (Earth-Moon-Earth) communication.

For satellite communication, a Technician license is all you need. Most amateur satellites use VHF and UHF frequencies where Technicians have full privileges.

How to Study and Pass the Exam

The Technician exam is highly passable with 1-2 weeks of study. The question pool is publicly available: the exact questions that will appear on your exam are published by the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC).

• HamStudy.org: Free online flashcard system with adaptive learning. The most popular study tool among new hams.
• ARRL Ham Radio License Manual: The study guide from the American Radio Relay League.
• Practice exams: Take practice tests at HamStudy.org or QRZ.com until you consistently score above 80% (passing is 74%, or 26 out of 35).

To find an exam session near you, search at ARRL.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session. Many sessions are now available online via Zoom.

Satellite Frequencies and Modes

Amateur satellites use several frequency bands and communication modes:

VHF/UHF FM Satellites

• Uplink: 145.900-146.000 MHz (VHF) or 435.000-438.000 MHz (UHF)
• Downlink: 435.000-438.000 MHz (UHF) or 145.800-146.000 MHz (VHF)
• Mode: FM voice: works like a repeater in the sky. Simplest mode for beginners.
• Examples: SO-50, ISS cross-band repeater, PO-101 (Diwata-2)

SSB/CW Linear Transponder Satellites

• Mode: Single sideband (SSB) voice and Morse code (CW). Allows multiple simultaneous QSOs (contacts).
• Doppler correction: Required. The satellite's motion shifts the frequency during the pass.
• Examples: QO-100 (geostationary), RS-44, FO-29

ISS (International Space Station)

• Voice downlink: 145.800 MHz FM
• Cross-band repeater: Uplink 145.990 MHz, downlink 437.800 MHz (when active)
• APRS digipeater: 145.825 MHz
• SSTV events: The ISS periodically transmits slow-scan television images on 145.800 MHz during special events.

Equipment You Need

Getting started with satellite communication is surprisingly affordable:

Minimum Setup

• Handheld radio (HT): A dual-band VHF/UHF handheld such as the Baofeng UV-5R or Yaesu FT-65R can receive and transmit to FM satellites.
• Antenna: A handheld Yagi antenna or even the stock rubber duck antenna for strong passes.
• Tracking app: Free apps like AMSAT Satellite Tracker, ISS Detector, or Look4Sat to predict passes.

Intermediate Setup

• Dual-band radio: a mobile rig such as the Kenwood TM-D710G, or a base-station transceiver such as the Icom IC-9700, for full-duplex operation.
• Arrow antenna: The Arrow II satellite antenna is a popular choice for handheld satellite work, a lightweight dual-band Yagi you point at the satellite during the pass.
• Headset: Hands-free operation while tracking the satellite with the antenna.

Advanced Setup

• Automated tracking: Motorized antenna rotator with azimuth/elevation control, driven by satellite tracking software.
• SDR (Software Defined Radio): RTL-SDR dongles for receiving; more capable SDRs for advanced modes.
• Full-duplex capability: Hear your own signal bouncing off the satellite in real time.

Making Your First Satellite Contact

1. Pick an easy satellite: SO-50 and the ISS cross-band repeater are the best targets for beginners. Both use FM, which is the simplest mode.
2. Predict the pass: Use AMSAT's satellite tracking tools or apps like Look4Sat to find the next pass over your location. Look for passes with high elevation (above 30 degrees) for stronger signals.
3. Program your radio: Set the uplink and downlink frequencies. Account for Doppler shift on the downlink (for FM satellites, this is minimal).
4. Go outside: Satellite signals are line-of-sight. Get to an open area with a clear view of the sky.
5. Track and transmit: Point your antenna at the satellite's predicted position. Listen first, then key up with your callsign and grid square. Satellite passes last 5-15 minutes, so be concise.

International Licensing

Most countries have reciprocal licensing agreements. If you hold a US amateur radio license, you can operate in many countries under CEPT (Europe), IARP (Americas), or bilateral agreements. For satellite communication, this generally means you can operate from most locations worldwide.

Satellite communication is inherently international: the satellite doesn't care about borders, and contacts frequently span continents during a single pass.

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