How Do Satellites Communicate?
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TT&C
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Satellites communicate through a complex system of telemetry that connects and transmits signals between satellites and earth-bound stations. This system begins with TT&C (telemetry, tracking, and command) subsystem which tracks and directs signals. TT&C produces signals that are directly commensurate to the quantity that is being measured, encoding and transmitting these signals to distant stations on earth. The transmitted data includes everything from information produced from sun/earth sensors to environmental data.
Command and Tracking Systems
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The signals that are communicated between ground systems and satellites are made possible through command and tracking systems which transmit and track satellites. Command systems receive, decode, and send commands and instructions from ground systems to satellites. In tracking systems, satellites communicate beacon signals that are received by the TT&C subsystem. These signals track the satellite's movements during various shifts caused by the environment.
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Transponders and Antenna Sub Systems
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Transponders and antenna sub systems complete the transmission and communication of signals that are produced between ground systems and satellites through communication links. Transponders are wide band receivers that are made of two components: "input de-multiplexer" and "power amplifier." Both of these receivers compose a singular communications channel that receives and communicates signals between antennas. The antenna sub systems receives and sends up and down link signals between two antennas. Each antenna performs specific roles in communicating these links. "Dipole type antennas" receive up links signals, while "directional antennas," which are often used for telecommunication purposes.
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Resources
- Photo Credit www.physicsdaily.com/physics/Satellite
