Methods used to communicate with a spacecraft, including antennas, transmitters, and receivers.
Digital communication: Communication system based on digital techniques that includes data encryption, compression, and transmission.
Modulation techniques: The process of changing the characteristics of a signal to transmit it over a channel efficiently.
Channel capacity: The maximum amount of bits per second that can be transmitted through a communication channel.
Antennas: The components of a communication system that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves.
Noise and Interference: Unwanted signals that disrupt the transmission of a signal in a communication system.
Link budget: Total gain and loss of the communication system that determines the strength of the signal at the receiver.
Satellite communication: Communication system based on signals transmitted and received by satellites orbiting the earth.
Spacecraft transponders: Electronic devices that transmit and receive signals in a spacecraft communication system.
Telecommand and telemetry: The two-way communication between ground stations and spacecraft for control and monitoring.
Frequency planning: The process of assigning frequencies to different components of a communication system to avoid interference.
Ground station design: The design of physical and electronic components of ground stations that receive and send signals to spacecraft.
Communication protocols: Set of rules and standards that define how data is exchanged between communication systems.
Power control: The process of maintaining a constant signal strength in a communication system.
Error detection and correction: Techniques used to detect and correct errors in data transmission.
System redundancy: The inclusion of backup components in a communication system to reduce the chances of system failure.
Telemetry: This system is used to remotely monitor the health and performance of a spacecraft, transmitting various data such as temperature, pressure, and radiation levels back to Earth.
Telecommand: This system enables operators on Earth to send commands and instructions to the spacecraft, controlling its actions and movements.
Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS): TDRS is a network of satellites in orbit that provide continuous communication coverage between spacecraft and Earth, ensuring data and communications are constantly transmitted and received.
Space Network (SN): Like TDRS, SN is another network of satellites that offer global coverage, used for both human and robotic missions.
Direct-to-Earth (DTE): This communication system uses direct radio waves or laser beams to send and receive data between the spacecraft and ground stations on Earth.
Near-Field Communication (NFC): An NFC system is used for close-range communication, typically within a spacecraft or between spacecraft during docking and rendezvous.
Deep Space Network (DSN): This system is a network of antennas and ground stations spread out across the globe, communicating with spacecraft that are located far beyond Earth's orbit.
Interplanetary Internet: This is a network of networks that enable communication between Earth and spacecraft, as well as between spacecraft themselves, using a protocol called Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN).
Optical Communication: Optical communication systems use lasers to transfer data faster than traditional radio waves, but its implementation in space applications is still in its infancy.
Cognitive Communication: This type of communication system uses artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to optimize communication and data transfer, making it more efficient and cost-effective.