  We present narrow-band observations of the H$\alpha$ emission in a sample of
31 satellite orbiting isolated giant spiral galaxies. The sample studied spans
the range $-19<M_B <-15$ mag. The H$\alpha$ emission was detected in all the
spiral and irregular objects with fluxes in the range $1.15-49.80\times
10^{-14}$ erg cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$. The average and maximum values for the
current star formation rates are 0.68 and 3.66 M$_\sun$ yr$^{-1}$ respectively.
Maps of the spatial distribution of ionized gas are presented. The star-forming
regions show a rich structure in which frequently discrete complexes are
imposed over more diffuse structures. In general, the current star formation
rates are smaller that the mean values in the past obtained from the current
stellar content; this probably indicates a declining rhythm with time in the
generation of new stars. However, the reserve of gas is enough to continue
fueling the current levels of star formation activity for at least another
Hubble time. Four of the objects (NGC 2718b, NGC 4541e, NGC 5965a$_1$ and NGC
5965a$_2$) with higher current star formation rates show clear signs of
interaction with close companions of comparable brightness at projected
distances of 25, 20 and 2 kpc respectively. The only two galaxies in our sample
that do not show star formation activity are members of these interacting
systems, and it is unclear if this is a consequence of intrinsic properties
(both are Hubble early types) or if it is related with possible disruption of
the external parts due to the interaction. In the case of the pair NGC 2718a-b
there are indications of gas transport between both galaxies.
