Question T8B11
From subelement T8 - T8B
Who may receive telemetry from a space station?
Why is this correct?
The correct answer is A because satellite telemetry transmissions are unencrypted public broadcasts that anyone can receive. According to FCC Part 97, no license is required to simply receive these status signals from amateur space stations. Options B, C, and D incorrectly suggest various licensing or certification requirements that don't exist for receiving telemetry.
Memory tip
Remember the fundamental principle: receiving never requires a license in amateur radio. Only transmitting does. This pattern applies to all amateur radio monitoring activities, from local repeaters to satellite beacons.
Learn more
Amateur satellite telemetry serves the broader amateur radio community by providing transparent operational status information. This open access policy supports the amateur service's purpose of advancing radio communication technology and emergency preparedness. Space stations transmit telemetry on amateur frequency privileges specifically so operators worldwide can monitor satellite health, orbital mechanics, and system performance without barriers.
Think about it
Why do you think the FCC allows unlicensed reception of amateur satellite telemetry when most amateur communications require proper licensing to participate?