Deep Dive: T1E02
The correct answer is D: Any amateur allowed to transmit on the satellite uplink frequency. According to FCC Part 97.207, any licensed amateur operator who has privileges on the satellite's uplink frequency may be the control operator of a station communicating through an amateur satellite or space station. There are no special license class requirements or certifications needed beyond having the appropriate frequency privileges. This means that if you're a Technician licensee and the satellite's uplink is on a frequency where you have privileges (like 2 meters), you can be the control operator. You don't need to be an Extra class operator, and you don't need special satellite certifications. The only requirement is that you have operating privileges on the uplink frequency being used.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Amateur Extra class is not required. Any license class with appropriate frequency privileges can operate satellites. Option B: Incorrect. General class is not required, and there's no satellite operator certification requirement. Option C: Incorrect. Extra class and AMSAT membership are not requirements. Any licensed amateur with appropriate frequency privileges can operate.
Exam Tip
Satellite control operator = Any amateur with uplink privileges. Remember: You just need to have privileges on the satellite's uplink frequency. No special license class or certification is required.
Memory Aid
**S**atellite **C**ontrol = **S**ame as **C**onventional (think 'SC = SC' = Same as Conventional, just need frequency privileges)
Real-World Example
You're a Technician licensee, and you want to work the International Space Station (ISS) which uses 2-meter frequencies for its uplink. Since you have Technician privileges on 2 meters, you can be the control operator and make contacts through the ISS. You don't need to upgrade to General or Extra, and you don't need any special satellite certification - just your Technician license with 2-meter privileges.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool
Subelement: T1E
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 T1E topic.