Some cards are highly sought after, hams will travel to remote islands or countries which have little or no amateur radio activity , then offer QSL cards to everyone who contacts them. QSL cards are a fun way of keeping track of all the different countries or places one has talked to. They are also required for many of the awards that are offered hams. Just about every mode of communication available today is used by amateurs. All forms of digital communication are used as well, computers have become a communication tool used by most of the hams today.
Hams enjoy satellite communication on a daily basis.
Satellite tracking is an activity in and of itself and is very challenging, just figuring it all out has its rewards. They have communicated with other hams on earth. Many hams have set up stations in schools to demonstrate to the students, amateur radios ability to communicate with the shuttle astronauts. While many amateur's are allowed to run up to 1500 watts, there is a growing interest in low power operation. The most popular mode for QRP operation is CW , due to its ability to be heard under extreme band conditions and low signal strength.