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New Ground Service Accelerates Space Data
13 Apr
Summary
- Ground communications are vital for space access.
- New SSC Space Go service targets small satellite market.
- Service offers automated, cloud-integrated ground solutions.
Ground communication infrastructure is as crucial as launch capabilities for effective space operations. The burgeoning commercial space sector, supporting diverse applications, now sees Low Earth Orbit (LEO) as a central hub for development.
As satellite fleets expand, efficient ground segment coverage, speed, and integration are paramount for translating space data into business value. Demand is rising for automated, standardized ground services that are easily consumable and scalable, with API-based scheduling and cloud integration becoming essential.
SSC Space Go, a new service, addresses these evolving needs. It combines a global network of antennas with a cloud-native, software-defined architecture, optimized for rapid onboarding and near real-time data delivery. This offering complements SSC Space's existing broad portfolio of ground support for various space missions.
Built on a network of 4-meter-class antennas supporting S-band uplink and X/Ka-band downlink, SSC Space Go features five initial sites: Esrange Space Center (Sweden), Alaska, Inuvik (Canada), Western Australia, and Punta Arenas (Chile). These locations provide strong coverage for polar and high-inclination orbits, catering to demanding operational environments.
A key feature is the focus on low-latency payload data delivery. Data can be downlinked in X-band and provided to customers in near real time through cloud workflows, enabling immediate access and processing. This capability is vital for time-critical applications like maritime monitoring and infrastructure tracking.
The system utilizes digitized RF/IF with software-defined radios and modems, managed centrally in software. This orchestrated architecture simplifies operations, facilitates faster feature updates, and ensures consistent service across all sites. Automation is a core principle, enabling standardized operations, simplified scheduling, and quick customer onboarding.
For compatible spacecraft, SSC Space Go supports simultaneous dual-polarization downlinks in X- and Ka-band, increasing downlink capacity within the same contact window.
