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Chameleon Knowledge Base · The Complete Online HF Antenna Handbook

What Is the International Space Station (ISS) Amateur Radio Program?

Learn about the International Space Station Amateur Radio program (ARISS) and how amateur radio operators communicate with astronauts.

Getting Started HF Fundamentals Reviewed 2026-07-14
Short Answer: Learn about the International Space Station Amateur Radio program (ARISS) and how amateur radio operators communicate with astronauts.

Explanation

Overview The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program allows licensed amateur radio operators and educational institutions to communicate with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). ARISS promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education while demonstrating the capabilities of amateur radio. Program Activities Scheduled school contacts. Amateur radio demonstrations. Educational outreach. Packet radio operations. SSTV image transmissions. Benefits Inspires future engineers. Promotes amateur radio. Supports STEM education. Encourages international cooperation. Typical Equipment VHF/UHF amateur radio. Directional antenna. Satellite tracking software. Low-loss feed line. Applied to Chameleon Products Although Chameleon specializes in HF communications, products such as the CHA PORTA-MAST, CHA UGS 2.0, and field deployment accessories can support temporary ARISS demonstration stations and educational events. Related Articles What Is Amateur Radio Satellite Communication? What Is OSCAR? What Is a Satellite Pass? What Is Doppler Shift? Related Products CHA PORTA-MAST CHA SURVEYOR-A CHA UGS 2.0

The exact result depends on the complete station: frequency, geometry, feed line, matching network, return-current path, environment, operating power, and the reference plane of any measurement. A low SWR establishes an impedance relationship at that point; it does not by itself prove efficiency, radiation pattern, compatibility, or safety.

What to Verify

  • Use the newest official product guide or primary service documentation.
  • Confirm the exact model, revision, components, configuration, and operating conditions.
  • Begin tests at low power and change one variable at a time.
  • Do not infer compatibility from connector or thread fit.

Learn Next

  • Antenna Selection: A Mission-First Decision Guide
  • Engineering Design Tradeoffs in Portable HF Antennas
  • Antenna Measurement Reference Planes
  • Understanding Common-Mode Current

Source note: Independently synthesized with reference to The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications, 99th edition (2022), and The ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications, 24th edition (2019). Verify changing regulations, services, software, specifications, availability, and safety requirements against current primary sources.