Amateur radio operators compete with each other to see who can talk to the most people over the radio in one 24-hour period. Some try to bounce radio signals off satellites, meteors or the moon. Even in this high-tech age, ham radio is sometimes the only way to communicate. Old-time hams say their knowledge is invaluable in disaster situations, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, where normal communications can break down. According to NASA, ham radio has flown on more than two dozen space shuttle missions.
Astronauts regularly talk to their families and school children while in orbit.
In fact, the agency considers ham radio a requirement for psychological support of the crews, especially for astronauts who spend several months in space. Anyone with an amateur radio license, the most basic of which can be obtained by taking a short test administered by radio clubs, can operate on any of the 27 small frequency bands throughout the radio spectrum. Millions of amateur operators in all areas of the world communicate with each other. They exchange messages by voice, telegraphy, facsimile and television. Most new amateur operators start at the Technician Class and then advance to the General Class or Amateur Extra Class operator license.