Talk About Satellite Ground Stations
Publish Time: 2025-06-27
Explore the secrets of satellite ground stations: the "invisible hub" behind satellite communicationsAs a core component of satellite communication systems, satellite ground stations play a vital role in building a global information network. Although ground stations for different purposes have certain differences in specific functional configurations, their basic infrastructure architecture is highly consistent. In order to ensure that communication satellites can achieve stable and efficient signal transmission, the establishment of communication satellite ground stations is an indispensable key link.
The status and role of ground stations in satellite communication systemsSatellite communication lines are like an information channel across the sky and earth, covering key elements such as the originating and receiving ground stations, uplink and downlink lines, and communication satellite transponders. As the starting point and end point of this information channel, ground stations undertake the core task of two-way signal transmission. On the one hand, ground stations transmit signals to satellites and send various types of information into space; on the other hand, they receive signals forwarded by other ground stations via satellites to achieve information interconnection.Looking back on the development of satellite communications, the growth in the number of ground stations has witnessed the vigorous development of this field. In 1965, the International Communications Satellite I was successfully launched and put into use, marking the entry of satellite communications into the commercial application stage. At that time, there were only six ground stations in the world, including Andover in the United States and Milvillech in Canada, and satellite communications were still in their infancy. By the end of 1985, the total number of ground stations in the world had surged to 642, and satellite communications gradually became popular around the world. In China, satellite communications are also progressing steadily. Since the first international satellite communications ground station was established in Beijing in 1972, by 1986, China had four international satellite communications ground stations, which built an important bridge for my country's international communications.
Six core subsystems of ground stationsTo ensure efficient and stable operation of satellite communications, ground stations are generally composed of six core subsystems: antenna subsystem, transmission subsystem, receiving subsystem, terminal subsystem, communication monitoring subsystem and power subsystem.1. Antenna subsystem: "directional weapon" for signal transmissionThe antenna subsystem is a key component for signal interaction between ground stations and satellites. Its antenna is shaped like a huge parabolic "dish" facing the communication satellite, and its diameter is usually 10.3 meters. The system consists of the antenna itself, the feeding part, the tracking part and the driving part. The antenna itself is responsible for focusing, transmitting and receiving electromagnetic wave signals; the feeding part transmits the signal to the antenna and receives the signal from the antenna; the tracking part can monitor the position change of the satellite in real time to ensure that the antenna always points accurately to the satellite; the driving part adjusts the azimuth and elevation of the antenna according to the instructions of the tracking part to ensure the stability and accuracy of signal transmission.2. Transmitting subsystem: the "energy engine" for information to be launchedThe main function of the transmitting subsystem is to modulate the audio, video and other signals to be broadcast onto the carrier of the working band. The modulated signal is amplified by a high-power amplifier so that it has enough energy to penetrate the atmosphere and be transmitted to the satellite through the antenna. This process is like installing a powerful "engine" for the information, driving it through the vast space and reaching the satellite.3. Receiving subsystem: "precise catcher" of signal landingThe receiving subsystem keeps monitoring satellite signals at all times. Once a signal from a satellite is received, it will immediately amplify and detect it. The amplification process enhances the strength of the signal so that it can be effectively recognized by subsequent equipment; the detection process extracts the original information signal from the modulated signal and sends it to the terminal system for further processing.4. Terminal subsystem: "all-rounder" of information processingThe terminal subsystem is a feature-rich integrated processing platform consisting of carrier telephone terminal equipment, television terminal equipment, fax terminal equipment and data terminal equipment. It can decode and convert the received signal into understandable forms such as sound, image, text and data to meet the communication needs of different users in different scenarios.5. Communication monitoring subsystem: "smart butler" of equipment operationThe communication monitoring subsystem is responsible for all-round monitoring, control and regular testing of various equipment in the ground station. By real-time monitoring of the equipment's operating status, potential faults can be discovered and warned in time; through remote control functions, parameters of the equipment can be adjusted and operating instructions can be issued; performance tests of the equipment can be performed regularly to ensure that it is always in the best working condition. This system is like an intelligent housekeeper, ensuring the stable operation of the ground station equipment.6. Power supply subsystem: a "solid backing" for energy supplyThe power supply subsystem provides stable and reliable power support for all ground station equipment. Considering the high requirements of ground station equipment for power supply, the power supply subsystem usually has two external power supplies and one backup power supply, and is equipped with an automatic switching device or a power supply device that ensures uninterrupted AC power. In this way, even in emergencies, the normal operation of the ground station equipment can be guaranteed to avoid communication interruptions due to power outages.
Key points of site selection and layout of ground stations① Scientific site selection: avoid interference and ensure safetyThe site selection of ground stations is a crucial task that requires comprehensive consideration of many factors. First of all, it should be far away from the urban area to avoid signal obstruction and radio wave interference caused by tall obstacles. Secondly, the direction of the main beam of the antenna must avoid residential areas, because the antenna will generate high-frequency radio waves when transmitting signals, which may have a certain impact on human health. In addition, the foundation conditions of the station site should be good and able to withstand the weight of the ground station equipment and various stresses generated during operation.② Reasonable layout: functional zoning, efficient coordinationThe overall layout of the ground station generally consists of the antenna, central control room, instrument test room and other main buildings. The main building, auxiliary rooms and living rooms are arranged according to functional zoning to improve work efficiency and equipment operation stability. For example, the Shanghai International Satellite Communication Ground Station built in 1973 arranged the main building in the central area at the rear of the site, and the auxiliary rooms and living rooms were arranged on both wings. This layout not only ensures the relative independence between the functional areas, but also facilitates the flow of personnel and materials.③ Strict antenna foundation design: ensure accuracy and stable operationThe antenna foundation design requirements are extremely strict, and the foundation must have sufficient rigidity. The antenna foundations of many ground stations are directly located on natural rock foundations to ensure that they can meet high-precision requirements during use. Because the antenna needs to adjust its direction precisely when tracking the satellite, any slight deviation may affect the transmission quality of the signal.④ Suitable central control room environment: constant temperature and humidity, quiet and stableThe central control room is the "brain" of the ground station, and air conditioning equipment needs to be installed to maintain a suitable temperature and humidity environment. Generally, the room temperature is required to be above 20℃ in winter, below 25℃ in summer, and the relative humidity is not more than 70%. At the same time, in order to prevent the vibration and noise generated by the air-conditioning system from interfering with the communication equipment, the central control room also needs to be treated with vibration isolation and sound absorption to provide a stable and quiet operating environment for the communication equipment.⑥ Reliable power supply design: multiple guarantees, continuous power supplyThe reliability requirements of the power supply design are extremely high. In addition to two external power supplies and one backup power supply, there must also be an automatic switching device or a power supply device that ensures uninterrupted AC power. In this way, when the main power supply fails, the backup power supply can be quickly switched and put into use to ensure the normal operation of the ground station equipment and avoid communication interruptions due to power outages.
As the "invisible hub" of the satellite communication system, the construction and development of satellite ground stations are of great significance to promoting the progress of global communication technology. With the continuous innovation and development of science and technology, it is believed that satellite ground stations will play a more important role in the future and make greater contributions to human information exchange and social development.
In an era of rapid technological iteration, satellite ground stations, as the key cornerstone of satellite communications, are constantly breaking boundaries and reshaping the pattern of global information interaction. As a pioneer enterprise in the field of satellite communications, RX SPACE is well aware of the huge potential and value of satellite ground stations. In the future, RX SPACE will rely on cutting-edge technology research and development and outstanding innovation capabilities to promote satellite ground stations to move forward in a more efficient, intelligent and integrated direction. It will help satellite ground stations break through the limits of signal transmission and achieve instant and accurate communication on a global scale; let satellite ground stations deeply integrate with various emerging technologies to give birth to more unprecedented application scenarios. RX SPACE firmly believes that, empowered by satellite ground stations, a new era of more closely connected, intelligent and efficient global communications is about to begin, and RX SPACE will work with partners from all walks of life to jointly write this great chapter.
