Frequent asked questions
Here you can find the most frequent asked questions about ground station services.
We’ve compiled answers to our clients’ most frequently asked questions. If you have others, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Can a single ground station operate simultaneously on S-band and X-band?
Yes, this applies to all our dual-band ground stations. We also support operations in both S-band and Ka-band.
How can we reserve satellite passes on your network?
We automatically orchestrate operations across our network by using your mission requirements as inputs. This allows us to guarantee the daily delivery of the capacity you need. Additionally, you can book extra contacts using the network’s spare capacity.
What does the onboarding process with Leaf Space involve?
We provide a clear integration process along with all the necessary documentation to connect with our API and data exchange interfaces. In parallel, we conduct RF compatibility testing—typically using IQ recordings of your signal, which you will need to provide. We also handle the licensing process to ensure your mission is supported by the appropriate number of ground stations.
What kind of support does Leaf Space offer during LEOP (Launch and Early Orbit Phase)?
Leaf Space guarantees 48 hours of continuous on-deck support starting from the moment the customer’s spacecraft is deployed from the launcher. During this period, our Support Team will be fully available via the dedicated Support Platform.
What is the minimum achievable pass latency on your network?
That will depend on many factors but for an SSO mission at 55km the average time between two consecutive contact can be up to 28 minutes in average and by the start of 2025 it will be up to 17 minutes. For mid-inclinations the average time between two contacts is of 22 minutes and will go down to 15 minutes at the start of 2025. Keep in mind that our network is constantly expanding and all these value are bound to evolve and improve in time.
Is customer documentation available, and where can we access it?
Yes, you can find more information in the reserved area. Once you receive access to Leaf Space’s Support Platform, you’ll also have access to a dedicated section containing all user documentation.
Does Leaf Space offer a priority scheme for different customers?
No, all customers have the same priority level on the Leaf Line network.
Which communication protocols and schemes are supported by your network?
We have integrated protocols and radios from leading manufacturers in the new space industry to offer the widest compatibility on the market. Standard solutions such as CCSDS and DVB-S2 are fully supported. When needed, we can also ensure compatibility with new protocols and radios through our in-house Software Defined Radio (SDR) suite.
Do your ground stations support Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM)?
All our X-band and Ka-band ground stations support ACM.
How does Leaf Space determine the allocation of ground stations to customers?
Since Leaf Space handles both the costs and the administrative process of ground station licensing, it also reserves the right to recommend the optimal ground station allocation. This recommendation is based on the customer’s requested daily capacity (in minutes), orbital parameters, and the overall resource allocation across the Leaf Line network.
What level of support is provided during nominal mission operations?
Leaf Space guarantees 12 hours of continuous on-call support every day of the year, from 06:00 UTC to 18:00 UTC (or from 07:00 UTC to 19:00 UTC, depending on the daylight saving time). Our Support Team is available throughout this period via the dedicated Support Platform.
Ready to launch?
Connect your satellite
