> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.kscucf.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.kscucf.org/projects/ground-stations.md).

# Ground Stations

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Engineering Ground Station</td><td>Ongoing</td><td><a href="/projects/ground-stations/engineering-ground-station.md">Engineering Ground Station</a></td></tr><tr><td>Physics Ground Station</td><td>Ongoing</td><td><a href="/projects/ground-stations/physics-ground-station.md">Physics Ground Station</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## What is a ground station

A ground station uses antennas, radios, and computers to communicate with satellites. It receives signals that can carry images, voice, or measurements such as a satellite's battery voltage and temperature. Some stations can also send signals back.

### What is a satellite pass?

A satellite in low Earth orbit moves across the sky. While it is above the station's horizon, there is a chance to receive its signal. This is called a **pass**. Once it drops below the horizon, direct contact ends, so the equipment needs to be ready before the pass starts.

### What does the equipment do?

1. **The computer plans the pass.** Tracking software predicts when the satellite will be overhead and where to aim the antennas.
2. **The rotator moves the antennas.** This motorized mount keeps them pointed toward the satellite as it moves.
3. **The antenna and radio receive the signal.** The antenna picks up radio waves. The radio tunes to the satellite's frequency and sends the signal to the computer.
4. **Software reads and saves the data.** With software that supports that satellite, you can turn the signal into images, audio, or measurements. You can also save a recording to work with later.

[Learn more about satellite communications — NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/smallsat-institute/sst-soa/ground-data-systems-and-mission-operations/)

### Getting started

Join an experienced operator for a session where you receive signals without transmitting. For the Physics station, start with [Run a receive pass](/projects/ground-stations/physics-ground-station/receive-pass.md).

To transmit on amateur radio frequencies, a licensed operator must be responsible for the station. What you can transmit depends on that operator's license. [Read the control operator rules](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97/subpart-B/section-97.105).