Completely different frequencies and propagation effects, but GMRSers might be suprised to learn on HF (short wave) some hams get lucky and bounce signals all the way around the world with 10 to 20 watts. Back to relevant bands and frequecies, you can communicate with the ISS with a regular 50 watt VHF or UHF transceiver. Using a Baofeng HT I have listened in on hams using the ISS repeater to make contacts with other hams. Knowing the antenna polarization and sweeping thru the frequencies made it better as did waiting for a high overhead pass.
It is about the antenna and knowing what to do with it