Deep Dive: T1B02
The correct answer is B: Any amateur holding a Technician class or higher license. According to FCC Part 97.207, any amateur operator with at least a Technician class license may contact the International Space Station (ISS) on VHF bands, provided they follow the appropriate operating procedures. The ISS has an amateur radio station (callsign NA1SS) that operates on 2-meter frequencies, primarily 145.800 MHz for voice and 145.825 MHz for packet. Technician licensees have full privileges on 2-meter VHF bands, so they can participate in ISS contacts. No special NASA approval is required - your valid amateur radio license is sufficient. However, operators should be aware that ISS contacts are brief (typically 5-10 minutes as the station passes overhead) and should follow proper operating procedures.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. General class license is not required. Technician class licensees have full 2-meter privileges and can contact the ISS. Option C: Incorrect. General class license is not required, and NASA approval is not needed. Your amateur license is sufficient. Option D: Incorrect. While Technician licensees can contact the ISS, NASA approval is not required. Your valid amateur radio license is all that's needed.
Exam Tip
ISS contacts = Technician or higher, no NASA approval needed. Remember: Your amateur license is your ticket to contact the ISS. No special permissions required beyond your Technician (or higher) license.
Memory Aid
**I**SS = **I**nternational **S**pace **S**tation = **T**echnician **S**ufficient (think 'ISS = TS' = Technician Sufficient)
Real-World Example
You're a Technician licensee with a 2-meter handheld radio and a small Yagi antenna. You check a satellite tracking app and see the ISS will pass overhead in 15 minutes. You tune to 145.800 MHz, point your antenna at the predicted position, and when the ISS comes into range, you hear the astronaut's voice. You make a brief contact, exchange call signs and signal reports, and the contact is complete - all with just your Technician license.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool
Subelement: T1B
Reference: FCC Part 97.207
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC Technician Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the T1B topic.