// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Acquisition of Signal
The moment a ground station successfully establishes radio contact with a spacecraft, typically after launch or when a satellite comes into view. This is when data transmission can begin.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Acquisition of Signal (AOS) denotes the precise instant when a ground station's antenna successfully detects and locks onto the radio frequency signal transmitted by a spacecraft, initiating the communication link for telemetry reception and command uplink.
BACKGROUND
RTX Corporation, formerly Raytheon Technologies Corporation, is an American multinational aerospace and defense conglomerate headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It is one of the largest aerospace and defense manufacturers in the world by revenue and market capitalization, as well as one of the largest providers of intelligence services. In 2023, the company's rank in the Forbes Global 2000 was 79. RTX manufactures aircraft engines, avionics, aerostructures, cybersecurity solutions, guided missiles, air defense systems, satellites, and drones. The company is a large military contractor, getting much of its revenue from the U.S. government.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Signal acquisition
- Contact established
- Link-up
- First contact
USAGE NOTE
AOS is a critical milestone after launch, confirming the spacecraft is alive and communicating.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Acquisition of Signal.
Manages the Deep Space Network (DSN), a worldwide network of large antenna arrays that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions and radio and radar astronomy observations for the exploration of the solar system and the universe. A core function is the acquisition and tracking of faint signals from distant probes.
The European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) is responsible for operating ESA satellites and their ground segment, which includes the Estrack network of ground stations. A primary task is the acquisition of signal (telemetry, tracking, and command) from orbiting spacecraft.
A leading provider of satellite ground segment solutions, including antennas, signal processing, and monitoring systems essential for the acquisition of signals from satellites across various orbits and applications.
A world-leading provider of ground station services for satellites in polar orbit. They operate a global network of ground stations, specializing in real-time acquisition of Earth observation data and supporting various satellite missions.
Provides advanced space services, including ground station networks and data reception services. Their global network is critical for the acquisition of signals and data from satellites for scientific, commercial, and governmental applications.
Offers ground segment as a service (GSaaS) for smallsats, providing a global network of ground stations optimized for efficient and reliable signal acquisition, downlink, and uplink capabilities for new space missions.
A global communications company that provides high-speed satellite broadband services and secure networking systems. They develop and operate advanced satellite constellations and the ground infrastructure necessary for robust signal acquisition and processing.
As a major aerospace and defense company, Lockheed Martin develops and integrates complex satellite systems, including the design and implementation of ground control and communication segments vital for the acquisition, processing, and command of satellite signals.