For Youth:
AMSAT has created a “Satellites in Space Help us Live a Better Life on Earth” coloring book on BuzzSat.com. The free coloring book is available at no charge in both English and Spanish language versions.
The book shows how satellites play an important role in virtually every aspect of modern life and includes twelve two-page spreads that illustrate different roles that satellites play and the benefits they provide. For example, one spread explains “Helping Farmers Grow bountiful Crops – For Healthy Meals on Every Table!” Another spread features teenagers using Amateur Radio “Sharing Messages and Pictures ‘ With Friends Around the World!” The complete list of topics include:
- Agriculture
- Broadcasting
- Communications
- Climate Change
- Pollution Control
- Fighting Wildfires
- Preserving Wildlife
- Space Exploration
- Navigation
- Meteorology
- Research on the ISS
- Search and Rescue
Each topic also includes a one-page discussion guide for adult leaders to use when working with youth and the coloring books.
For Beginners:
We HIGHLY recommend the updated 2025 “Getting Started with Amateur Satellites“. The PDF version is only $15 (there is a printed version for $30) and has the latest wisdom from many active AMSAT members on working the satellites.
One of the easiest ways to get into the satellite hobby is to receive images and music from the satellites. Often you only need a very inexpensive Baofeng with a stock antenna. A slightly better antenna like an Arrow will give you better reception. Checkout the “Live Images/Music Satellites” page complete with received images.
The “For Beginners – An Amateur Radio Satellite Primer” article compilation is an older but freely downloadable compendium of “getting started” articles written by Keith Baker, KB1SF/VA3KSF. These articles originally appeared in The AMSAT Journal from 2019 to 2021. Unfortunately, because equipment, satellites, and URLs change over time, the timeliness of information such as this can quickly be overcome by events.
Other useful information for beginners is available on the AMSAT Station and Operating Hints page.
Updated Feb 21, 2026. Updates or suggestions, please email David, N9KT.