Satellite & Space Operations
Take your ham radio operations to space and beyond! After taking this course, you'll know how to receive SSTV images, make satellite contacts, perform Earth-Moon-Earth bounce, and much more!
Get Ready to Take Your Ham Radio Operation to Space and Beyond
Connect through the final frontier — master ham radio satellite communications with ease!
Did you know that you can communicate via the International Space Station🛰️and with dozens of satellites overhead?
Do you want to learn how to make satellite and space contacts, receive SSTV images, and more?
You’ve come to the right place!
This course will teach you the fundamentals of satellite communications and space-based operating in amateur radio!
Why Learn Satellite and Space Operating?
Operating through satellites opens up a whole new world of communication possibilities. Whether you’re looking to:
Make DX contacts from your backyard
Connect with astronauts aboard the ISS
Track and work LEO and GEO satellites
Participate in space-related events and challenges
…this course will teach you everything you need to get started — even if you only have a Technician license!
Launch your signal beyond Earth.
Satellite and space operations open the door to communicating through orbiting satellites and even the International Space Station.
Mastering satellite communication is one of the most exciting and rewarding paths in amateur radio, allowing you to explore real-time tracking, orbital timing, Doppler shift, and directional antennas to join a truly global (and orbital) community
Course Syllabus
This course starts with the basics and guides you step-by-step through the essential skills needed to confidently operate ham radio through satellites and space-based systems. It's packed with high-quality videos, practical guides, interactive quizzes, and bonus materials to make learning smooth, exciting, and hands-on!
A quick overview of what to expect from the course, including tips for navigating the lessons and making the most of your learning journey.
Discover the excitement of communicating via satellites and space-based systems, and why it’s one of the most thrilling areas in amateur radio.
Learn about the satellites currently in orbit, how they’re used by hams, and the unique opportunities they offer for global communication.
Understand frequency bands, uplinks/downlinks, and modes like FM, SSB, and digital used in satellite operations.
Explore tools and methods to track satellites in real time, including orbital paths, pass prediction, and Doppler shift.
Get familiar with the gear needed—radios, antennas, rotators, and accessories—to operate successfully through satellites.
Follow a step-by-step guide to identify, plan, and track your first satellite pass using online tools and apps.
Learn how to make digital packet contacts through satellites using APRS and understand how data bounces through space.
Practice your first voice QSO via satellite with practical tips for timing, audio quality, and on-the-air etiquette.
Discover how to make contact with astronauts aboard the International Space Station through the ARISS program.
Explore how to receive Slow Scan TV (SSTV) images transmitted from the ISS and decode them with simple software.
Dive into advanced techniques like bouncing signals off meteors and the Moon for extended-range space communications.
Meet Your Instructor
Taught by Ham Radio Experts
Jim Reed
N4BFR
You’ll hear from various domain experts with decades of experience, led by lead instructor Jim Reed (N4BFR). Jim is an Amateur Extra class ham who specializes in making complex concepts easy to understand—whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your skills. He’s an experienced satellite operator, a passionate educator, and an instructor for multiple Ham Radio Prep courses. Jim is also a volunteer examiner and award-winning ham, having earned honors such as DXCC, Worked All States, and Worked All Continents. His background includes active participation in both space-based operating and public service communications.
Jim Reed, N4BFR
Lead Instructor
Designed to Make Learning EASY!
No matter how you learn best, this course will work for you.
You’ll be immersed in the world of satellite and space operations with stunning videos, comprehensive guides, activities, quizzes and bonus materials that keep you engaged and learning.
Earn Your Satellite and Space Operating Certification
Upon successfully completing the Satellite and Space Operating course, you will receive an official Certificate of Completion. This certificate recognizes your knowledge and skills in satellite-based ham radio communication, demonstrating your ability to track, access, and operate through amateur satellites—including real-time contacts and communication through the ISS.
Pricing
Satellite and Space Operations Course
Master the Art of Communicating via Satellites and Space
$149 $79
- Lifetime Course Access with No Hidden Fees
- Comprehensive Instructional Videos
- No experience required! Teaches you step-by-step
- Everything you need to learn to operate via satellites and in space
- Radio and Equipment not included. A basic handheld is recommended.
- One Time Purchase, Lifetime Access
One-time fee, lifetime access.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
If you're not happy with the course for any reason, ask for a refund within the first 14 days and we'll give you your money back!
Pricing
Bundle 2 Advanced Operating Courses
$198 $99
Save 50%
One-time fee, lifetime access.
Bundle 2 Advanced Operating Courses
$198 $99
Save 50%
One-time fee, lifetime access.
Advanced Operating Package
$421 $149
- BIGGEST SAVINGS! Save 65% When You Get All 4 Courses!
- Package Includes HF Masterclass course, POTA Course, Emergency Communications 101 course and Satellite & Space Operations course
- Lifetime Access So You Can Study At Your Own Pace
- FREE BONUS! 🎁Get access to the Ham Radio Basics Course!
Save 65%
One-time fee, lifetime access.
BEST DEAL
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
If you're not happy with the course for any reason, ask for a refund within the first 14 days and we'll give you your money back!
HF Masterclass
- Comprehensive Instructional Videos
- No experience required! Teaches you step-by-step.
- Everything you need to learn to operate on HF
- Radio and Equipment not included.
- One Time Purchase, Lifetime Access
Save 60%
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
If you're not happy with the course for any reason, ask for a refund within the first 14 days and we'll give you your money back!
Note: We highly recommend getting your General License so you can follow along with the class and transmit on all the frequencies in the course.
If you have your Technician License, you can still purchase this course. However, you will only be able to transmit HF on a portion of the 10M band with Technician privileges. You can still listen on the other frequencies.
60,000+ Students Trust Ham Radio Prep
These are REAL, verified reviews from our students!
Jeffrey Briece
- Verified
As expected!
Jeffrey Briece
Everything about this course was exactly what I was looking for—it was perfect for me.
Ron Milione
- Verified
Mason Lee
- Verified
Made learning easy!
Mason Lee
I really liked the overall structure of the course—it was thoughtfully designed and made learning easy.
James Cornell
- Verified
Incredible experience!
James Cornell
Getting to hear the ISS firsthand was an incredible experience!
David Laine
- Verified
Great course!
David Laine
Thanks to this course, I was able to make new contacts and expand my reach in the ham radio community.
Hear From Students Exploring Amateur Radio in Space
From working amateur radio satellites to making contacts through the International Space Station, see how real Ham Radio Prep students learned the skills and confidence to explore one of the most exciting areas of amateur radio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely not! Even if you are a complete beginner, this course will teach you everything you need to know to learn satellite and space operations starting with the basics. We recommend having at least an amateur radio Technician License or higher to be able to participate in the course, which you can take at the same time as this course.
Inside the course, we’ll take you through equipment selection. In order to perform a successful satellite contact, you’ll need at least a basic handheld radio. We’ll show you how to build your own Yagi for less than $50. We’ll also review other equipment options for purchase, including radios and antennas that are best for working satellites.
Our team has spent hundreds of hours to design and produce a course that makes it EASY to learn satellite and space operations, and ultimately saves you time and frustration.
- Higher Production Value -> Our course is engaging and easier to follow for all learning styles
- Comprehensive and Structured -> Our course teaches you all of the important concepts step-by-step that to guarantee your success and ensure you don’t miss any important information
- Learn from the Experts -> skip the line and learn directly from the experts with decades of satellite operations experience
- Bonus Materials -> Our course contains bonus materials like PDF guides to download for reference
When you buy this course, you’re buying decades of experience, hundreds of hours of work, jam-packed into an easy to use format.
And if that wasn’t enough, it’s backed by a 14-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
It’s a no-brainer!
