There is so much to say about Amateur Radio in space that it is difficult to know where to begin. Websites already exist covering this subject in far greater depth than I could ever hope to achieve here, so links are provided where appropriate. The information here on this site is purposely intended only as an introduction to the concept of Amateur Radio in space.

This section of my site is a collection of bits and bobs covering my interests and small experiments with Amateur Radio communications in space. I hope you enjoy my collection of articles, and I intend to add more as time, and further experiments permit.

At the foot of this page you will find information on AMSAT, the Amateur Radio organisation who build, control, and co ordinate Ham space communications.

My good pal Brian, KC7OC, sent me these photos, and to get us going with this topic I thought it would be useful to take a quick look at our own Earth. We tend to think of planet Earth as being pretty big, however the series of photos below put things into perspective.

Amateur Radio space communications falls under the remit of the AMSAT organisation. AMSAT have their own website which can be reached at:

http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php

A wealth of information in general on space communications, the role of Amateur Radio in space, details on the current series of experimental Amateur Radio satellites and their operational status can be found by visiting the AMSAT website at the above address.

Information relevant to AMSAT in the UK together with the latest news and developments can be found at the AMSAT UK website at:

http://www.uk.amsat.org/

If you have an interest in space communications and want to learn more, do visit these websites.

As a Radio Ham, it is not only possible to receive voice and data communications from the Amateur satellites, but with the appropriate equipment you can also talk to other Hams who are operational and within the satellite footprint. Space communications take place at VHF frequencies and above, right up into the microwave bands, as at lower frequencies i.e. Shortwave (HF) and below, radio signals are reflected back down to earth by the ionosphere.

A fascinating summary of the history of Amateur Radio in space can be seen at:

http://www.spacetoday.org/Satellites/Hamsats/HamsatsBasics.html

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