Space Regulatory Glossary Spectrum

uplink

/ˈʌplɪŋk/ noun, verb

1. The transmission path from a ground station to a satellite, or the signal itself. Uplinks carry commands, software updates, and payload data from Earth to a spacecraft in orbit.
2. The frequency band used for this transmission. Uplink frequencies are typically higher than the corresponding downlink frequencies within a given band plan.

Related terms

downlink The transmission path from a satellite to a ground station, or the signal itself. In satellite communications, the… earth station A ground-based facility equipped to communicate with one or more satellites. Earth stations transmit uplink signals and… transponder A device on a communications satellite that receives an uplink signal, amplifies it, shifts it to a different…

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