Amateur Radio Operations on the International Space Station

Find resources for tracking the ISS, understanding ARISS contacts, and participating in ham radio activities with the station.

Austin
Reviewed by • Digital Modes & Software Editor • March 2026

Operating amateur radio from and to the International Space Station (ISS) offers hams a unique way to make QSOs and experiment with space-based repeaters. Operators can use VHF and UHF bands to communicate with the station, often through its onboard cross-band repeater, or participate in scheduled contacts with astronauts. This activity connects amateur radio to space exploration, allowing hams worldwide to experience satellite operation firsthand.

Many hams track the ISS to predict pass times and optimize their antenna aiming for successful contacts. Resources in this category include real-time satellite tracking tools, such as those provided by N2YO, which offer ground track predictions and visibility tables. Operators can also find information on ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) activities, including contact schedules and news from groups like ARRL and ARISS Europe, helping them prepare for direct QSOs or listen for digipeated data from other stations.

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  • ARISS Europe
    No votes
    ARISS Europe
    Amateur Radio on the International Space Station european web site
  • ARISS News
    1.0/5 (3)
    ARISS News
    Provides the latest ARISS news, including upcoming contact schedules with the International Space Station, operational status, and application details for
    VHF Calendar Worldwide En2m Ssb
  • ARRL ARIS
    No votes
    ARRL ARIS
    Details the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, including contact schedules, educational resources, and operational status.
    Vhf,uhf,multiband Award Program Worldwide En2m Ssb Other Other
  • Ham Radio Stations heard via ISS
    2.9/5 (8)
    Ham Radio Stations heard via ISS
    This page documents Amateur Radio data digipeated by the International Space Station
  • ISS Realtime tracking
    2.0/5 (22)
    ISS Realtime tracking
    5 Day prediction table for ISS and find when the ISS will be visible from your QTH by N2YO
  • Johnson Space Center
    No votes
    Johnson Space Center — Dale
    The JSCARC, located at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, supports the U.S. Space Program and the International Space Station.
  • Real time satellite tracking
    3.7/5 (26)
    Real time satellite tracking — Grolleau
    Ground tracks are the trace of the satellite's path over the ground. Amsat, ISS, geosynchronous satellites, navigation satellites, weather satellites, Iridium satellites, visible Satellites. Requires Java