Radio in hand, license just arrived, nothing but static? Five short steps take you from that to a first contact through a repeater, then simplex, then a net. Works with the handheld you have. Nothing here transmits for you: you are the control operator.
There are FM repeaters in orbit, and the handheld you already own can reach them. A pass lasts about ten minutes, so the whole trick is knowing when to be outside.
Create an account or sign in to keep your place and log milestones. The steps work without one.