For years, schools and universities have had rocket clubs, where amateur scientists could create and fly their own homemade rockets. Now, amateurs are also building picosatellites, microsatellites of low mass and size that are made with inexpensive materials and can be launched into low-earth orbit. These picosatellites can be used for running scientific experiments, university research, art projects, or just for fun. Of course, after a picosatellite has been created, is it ready for launch? Author Alexander “Sandy” Antunes has written this do-it-yourself guide to help amateurs conduct a series of hands-on tests designed to check a satellite’s readiness. Antunes writes in a down-to-earth, conversational style, while never downplaying the danger involved in some of the testing. Even if you have no desire to build a satellite, you will learn many interesting facts from this book about space and how orbits work. Antunes is a Maryland-area astronomer, author, and role-playing game designer, who holds a Ph.D. in computational astrophysics from George Mason University. He is also the author of DIY Satellite Platforms (reviewed in SW spring 2012),