Ham Radio Extra Class Practice Test

What is the direction of an ascending pass for an amateur satellite?

1. From west to east

2. From east to west

3. From south to north

4. From north to south

The correct answer is: From south to north

The direction of an ascending pass for an amateur satellite refers to the satellite moving from below the horizon up to its highest point in the sky, which typically occurs from the southern horizon towards the northern horizon for satellites in polar orbits. In this context, the ascending pass indicates that the satellite is moving into view as it rises in the sky above the observer's location and continues on its path. For a satellite in a typical geostationary or certain orbits that primarily cover the equatorial regions, the movement may often be described as moving from the eastern horizon upwards. However, many amateur satellites operate in various orbits, including those where the ascending pass moves south to north. This is particularly relevant for polar orbits where the satellite travels over higher latitudes, thus appearing to rise from the south and travel northward. The other directions—such as from west to east or north to south—do not accurately represent the typical path of most amateur satellites during their ascending passes when positioned in an orbit that crosses the equator. Hence, the choice indicating the movement from south to north aligns with standard tracking observations for many satellites utilized in amateur radio activities.