145.800 MHz FM
Frequently associated with ISS voice and traditional ARISS SSTV activity.
Space Communications
Receive SSTV Images from the ISS
Receiving a picture directly from the International Space Station is one of the most exciting experiences in amateur radio. During special SSTV events, the ISS transmits a series of commemorative images that can be received by radio amateurs and listeners around the world.
What You Will Learn
📡 Which frequency to use
🛰️ How to find an ISS pass
📱 Which decoder software works
🎧 How to record the audio
🖼️ How SSTV images are decoded
📶 How to improve reception
What is ISS SSTV?
SSTV stands for Slow-Scan Television. It is a system that converts a still image into audio tones. These tones can be transmitted through an ordinary radio signal.
During selected events, amateur radio equipment aboard the International Space Station sends SSTV pictures as the station travels around the Earth.
A receiving station records the audio signal and SSTV software converts the tones back into an image. The picture appears line by line on the screen.
💡 No Amateur Radio Licence Required for Reception
In many countries, listening to amateur radio transmissions does not require an amateur radio licence. A licence is normally required only when transmitting. Always check the regulations that apply in your country.
ISS SSTV Event Information
RECENT EVENT
SSTV Expedition 74 – Series 32
“Cooperation in Space”
Start
8 May 2026 – 10:30 UTC
Conclusion
12 May 2026 – 16:40 UTC
Frequency
437.550 MHz FM
Suggested Decoder
Robot36
This SSTV series featured the theme Cooperation in Space.
⚠ Always Check the Event Announcement
The ISS does not transmit SSTV continuously. Frequencies, operating periods, equipment and transmission modes can vary between events. Always check the latest official announcement before listening.
Common ISS Amateur Radio Frequencies
Different ISS amateur radio activities may use different frequencies. The announced frequency for a particular event should always be treated as the correct one.
437.550 MHz FM
Used for the Expedition 74 Series 32 “Cooperation in Space” SSTV event.
What Equipment Do You Need?
Radio Receiver
You need a receiver that can tune the announced VHF or UHF frequency and receive FM signals.
- Handheld amateur radio receiver
- Mobile or base transceiver
- Scanner receiver
- Software Defined Radio
Antenna
A simple antenna can receive the ISS during a good, high-elevation pass.
- Vertical VHF/UHF antenna
- Dual-band handheld antenna
- Quarter-wave ground-plane
- Directional Yagi antenna
Decoder
SSTV software listens to the received audio and rebuilds the transmitted picture.
- Robot36 for Android
- MMSSTV for Windows
- QSSTV for Linux
- Compatible iOS SSTV applications
Receiving with a Smartphone
One of the easiest ways to begin is with an Android smartphone running Robot36.
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1
Install Robot36
Install an SSTV decoder that supports the mode used during the event.
-
2
Tune the receiver
Set the radio to the exact FM frequency announced for the SSTV event.
-
3
Open the decoder
Start Robot36 before the ISS appears above your local horizon.
-
4
Place the phone near the speaker
The smartphone microphone can listen directly to the audio from the radio.
-
5
Save the image
When the transmission finishes, save the decoded image to your device.
💡 Record the Complete Pass
Recording the received audio is highly recommended. If the live decode fails, you can replay the recording through your SSTV software later and try decoding the image again.
How to Find an ISS Pass
The ISS travels around the Earth approximately every ninety minutes, but it is only receivable when it is above the horizon at your location.
A pass prediction service or satellite tracking application can show:
- The start of the pass
- The direction where the ISS will appear
- The maximum elevation
- The duration of the pass
- The end of the pass
The moment the ISS rises above your radio horizon.
Higher passes usually provide stronger signals.
The moment the ISS disappears below your radio horizon.
Step-by-Step Reception Guide
-
1
Check the event schedule
Confirm the date, time, frequency and decoder mode before preparing your station.
-
2
Find a suitable ISS pass
A pass with a higher maximum elevation normally gives you more receiving time and a stronger signal.
-
3
Prepare early
Turn on the radio and decoder at least five minutes before the predicted AOS time.
-
4
Open the squelch
A closed squelch can cut away weak parts of the transmission and damage the decoded picture.
-
5
Follow the ISS
With a directional antenna, slowly point it along the predicted path of the station.
-
6
Save every decoded image
Multiple images may be transmitted during one pass. Save each successful reception.
Understanding Doppler Shift
Because the International Space Station is moving rapidly relative to your receiving station, the received frequency can shift slightly during a pass.
At the beginning of the pass, the received signal may appear slightly higher in frequency. Near the end of the pass, it may appear slightly lower.
Most FM receivers can receive an ISS signal without continuous adjustment, but narrow filters or weak passes may benefit from small tuning corrections.
Improving Image Quality
Choose a High Pass
Passes with a high maximum elevation normally produce stronger and longer signals.
Use a Clear Location
Buildings, trees and hills can block or weaken the satellite signal.
Reduce Audio Distortion
Keep the radio volume high enough for the decoder, but avoid clipping or overloading the microphone.
Disable Audio Processing
Noise reduction and aggressive audio filters can distort the SSTV tones.
Use a Directional Antenna
A small handheld Yagi can greatly improve VHF and UHF satellite reception.
Record the Audio
A recording allows repeated decoding attempts after the satellite pass has ended.
Common Reception Problems
Problem
Possible Cause
Suggested Solution
No signal
Wrong pass time, frequency or antenna
Recheck the event schedule and pass prediction
Picture starts late
Decoder opened after the transmission began
Start the decoder several minutes before AOS
Slanted image
Audio timing or sound-card clock difference
Use the slant correction function in the SSTV software
Heavy noise lines
Weak signal, obstructions or interference
Try a higher pass or a better antenna location
No automatic decoding
Missing or damaged VIS identification tone
Select the correct SSTV mode manually
Audio sounds distorted
Radio or microphone level is too high
Reduce the audio level and make another recording
Can You Receive the ISS Without a Radio?
In some situations, an online satellite receiver or a remotely controlled SDR may be available. However, many ordinary WebSDR receivers use fixed terrestrial antennas and are not designed to follow fast-moving satellites.
For the most rewarding experience, use your own VHF or UHF receiver and antenna.
Submitting Your ISS SSTV Images
ISS SSTV events are popular because thousands of listeners around the world can receive the same image from different locations.
SlowscanTV can become a place where these receptions are shared, compared and preserved.
Future SlowscanTV ISS Gallery
A dedicated gallery could show received ISS images together with the listener's callsign, country, location, equipment, antenna, reception time and signal report.
This will create a worldwide visual record of every major ISS SSTV event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ISS transmit SSTV every day?
No. SSTV transmissions normally take place only during announced special events.
Do I need an amateur radio licence?
A licence is generally not required for receiving only, although national regulations can differ. Transmitting on amateur radio frequencies normally requires an appropriate licence.
Can I receive the ISS with a handheld radio?
Yes. A handheld receiver can often receive the ISS during a good overhead pass, especially when connected to a suitable external antenna.
Why is only part of my picture visible?
The transmission may have started before your receiver acquired the signal, or the ISS may have moved below your local horizon before the image was complete.
Can I decode a recording later?
Yes. A clean audio recording can be replayed into Robot36, MMSSTV, QSSTV or another suitable decoder.
How many pictures can I receive during one pass?
This depends on the duration of the pass, the transmission schedule and the length of the SSTV mode. Some passes may allow reception of more than one image.
🛰️ A Radio Picture Travelling from Space
Every successful ISS SSTV image has travelled hundreds of kilometres from a spacecraft moving around the Earth at very high speed. Receiving one with a simple radio and antenna is a remarkable demonstration of amateur radio and space communication.