Ground Segment 101
Ground Segment 101: A Primer on Antennas and Antenna Networks
what is an antenna?
An antenna is a device that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves. It converts electrical signals into radio waves and vice versa, enabling communication with satellites and other systems.
What are typical antenna sizes used to communicate with satellites?
What are the frequencies typically used?
S band uplink: 2025MHz-2110MHz
S band downlink: 2200MHz-2290MHz
X band downlink: 8025MHz-8500MHz
Ka band downlink (Remote Sensing): 25500MHz-27000MHz
What do you need to operate a ground station?
Hardware: Antennas, receivers, transmitters, modems, and power systems.
Licenses: Regulatory approvals and frequency licenses from local governments and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Operating Software: Ground station management and network monitoring systems.
Local Maintenance Team: Technicians and engineers for maintenance and repairs.
Own Site or Rented Teleport: A dedicated site or access to a commercial teleport for operations.
How much does building a station cost?
An S/X-band antenna typically costs around €400,000 to €500,000, including acquisition and shipping. Additionally, there is a monthly maintenance cost of approximately €7,000.
What are the different types of antenna networks?
Publicly Owned Networks:
Examples include NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN), ESA’s Estrack, and India’s ISTRAC.
Private Networks:
Owned and operated by satellite companies for dedicated communication and control.
Ground Segment as a Service (GSaaS):
A managed service offering ground station access and operations, providing flexible and cost-effective satellite communication solutions.
What are the benefits of an antenna network?
An antenna network provides increased coverage, redundancy, and reliability for satellite communication. It enables continuous data transmission and reception by utilizing multiple ground stations strategically located around the globe.
How is a Ground Station Network designed?
How do you operate your satellite with a ground station network?
Operating your satellite involves scheduling passes with the ground station network. During these passes, you can send commands to the satellite and receive telemetry and data, enabling control and monitoring of its operations.
How do you operate a constellation with a ground station network?
Operating a satellite constellation requires coordinating multiple satellites through the network to ensure seamless communication. This involves automated scheduling, efficient data handling, and resource management to maintain continuous coverage and service quality.
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