// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
S-Band
A specific range of radio frequencies (2 to 4 GHz) commonly used for satellite communications, radar, and some terrestrial wireless networks.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
S-Band is a microwave frequency range spanning 2 to 4 gigahertz (GHz), designated by the IEEE, widely utilized in satellite communications (e.g., NASA's Deep Space Network, ISS communications), radar systems, and terrestrial wireless applications.
BACKGROUND
Firefly Aerospace Blue Ghost, or simply Blue Ghost, is a class of lunar landers designed and manufactured by the American company Firefly Aerospace. Firefly builds and operates Blue Ghost landers to deliver small payloads to the surface of the Moon. The first Blue Ghost mission was launched in January, 2025. It successfully landed on the Moon on March 2, 2025. The landers are named after the firefly species Phausis reticulata, known as blue ghosts.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- S-frequency
- S-band spectrum
- 2-4 GHz band
USAGE NOTE
S-Band is often used for telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) of spacecraft.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to S-Band.
Operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the DSN is NASA's international network of large antennas and communication facilities that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions, and some Earth-orbiting missions. S-Band is a primary frequency used for telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C).
ESA operates the European Space Tracking (ESTRACK) network, a global system of ground stations providing links between satellites in orbit and the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC). S-Band is fundamental for their TT&C operations for a wide range of missions.
A major aerospace and defense contractor that designs, develops, and manufactures a wide array of space-qualified communication systems, including S-Band transponders, transmitters, receivers, and antennas for satellites, launch vehicles, and other space platforms.
A leading European satellite manufacturer that integrates advanced S-Band transponders and communication subsystems into the satellites they build for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, and scientific missions.
A world-leading provider of ground station services for satellites. Their global ground network heavily utilizes S-Band antennas to provide tracking, telemetry, command, and data downlink services for a large number of commercial and government satellite operators.
While known for broadband services, Viasat also operates a global Real-Time Earth (RTE) ground station network that offers S-Band services for Earth observation and remote sensing satellites, enabling low-latency data reception.
A global provider of advanced space services. SSC's global fiber-optic ground station network, SSC Connect, offers comprehensive S-Band support for the entire satellite lifecycle, from launch and early orbit phase (LEOP) to routine on-orbit operations.
A French company specializing in radiocommunication and geolocation systems. They design and manufacture compact, high-performance S-Band transceivers and transmitters specifically for the small satellite (SmallSat and CubeSat) market.