Developing our Ground Station
To support the low-power, high-bandwidth satellite communications required to livestream Earth from orbit, our team is developing a 2-axis antenna positioner for UHF and S-Band applications.
Posted by
Jacob AumanRelated reading
Our team has built a 2U Demo Model of a Cubesat that livestreams directly to YouTube.
Developing a High-Bandwidth Ground Station for Satellite Communications
Our team is excited to share progress on a project that pushes the boundaries of satellite communications: the development of a high-bandwidth ground station designed to support near real-time video feeds from low Earth orbit (LEO). This initiative is not just about hardware—it's about enabling new research, expanding educational opportunities, and fostering international collaboration.
Why High-Bandwidth Matters
Modern satellite missions, especially those involving Earth observation and scientific research, demand the ability to transmit large volumes of data rapidly and reliably. High-throughput ground stations are pivotal in this ecosystem, acting as the gateway between satellites and terrestrial networks. They manage the uplink and downlink of data, optimize bandwidth utilization, and ensure that information—whether it's scientifi c measurements or live video—arrives efficiently and intact.
Our Technical Approach: Precision Positioning and Flexible Operations
To meet these demands, we're engineering a 2-axis radar positioner (elevation over azimuth, with overhead flip capability). This system enables continuous tracking of fast-moving LEO satellites, minimizing signal loss even during challenging passes directly overhead—a phenomenon known as the "keyhole effect." By supporting both UHF and S-Band frequencies, our ground station will be versatile enough for a broad range of satellite communications, from telemetry and control to high-data-rate payload downlinks.
- 2-axis (EL/AZ) positioner for precise satellite tracking and overhead flip capability
- Support for UHF and S-Band operations, balancing cost, link margin, and data rate needs
- Modular equipment mounts for future upgrades and multi-frequency support
- Automated computer control for reliable, repeatable tracking and data acquisition
Collaboration with CSU-CHILL
A cornerstone of our project is the partnership with CSU-CHILL, Colorado State University's renowned S- and X-band dual-polarization radar facility. Working alongside Dr. Chandra and the CSU-CHILL research team, we've reviewed documentation and operational history of their positioner pedestals. This deep dive has informed our requirements and parts selection, ensuring our ground station will be robust, reliable, and tailored to the unique demands of high-bandwidth satellite communications.
The Broader Impact
The advancements in ground station technology—such as high-precision tracking, advanced modulation schemes, and efficient power management—are transforming what is possible in satellite communications. By building a flexible, high-throughput ground station, we are contributing to a global movement that is making space data more accessible, supporting real-time applications, and enabling the next generation of scientific discovery.
Stay tuned for future updates as we move from design to deployment, and as we continue to push the limits of what ground-based satellite communications can achieve.