S/X Ground Station

Dual-Band Mastery: High-Speed S/X Ground Stations
S/X-Band stations. Engineered for simultaneous TT&C and high-rate data downlinks, our "Plug & Play" dual-band systems eliminate technical friction. From 2.4m to 4.5m apertures, experience a professional, vertically integrated gateway designed for the most demanding Earth Observation and research missions.

First contact in under 30 minutes. Deploy a fully operational VHF/UHF ground station and establish contact with your satellite on the very first visible pass — no RF engineering degree required.
WHY GROUNDCOM

Max Speed, Rock-Solid Control

Need to download massive amounts of data? Our combined S/X-Band Station is the ultimate powerhouse for advanced satellite missions.While the S-band ensures rock-solid reliability for critical TT&C, the X-band unlocks ultra-fast, high-volume data downlink—perfect for Earth observation and complex payloads.

At Groundcom, we deliver this high-performance dual capability in one fully autonomous, turnkey system.Stop bottlenecking your data. Choose our S/X-Band solution for uncompromising speed, precision, and seamless integration into your mission architecture.

Download the full datasheet

PDF · 2.4 MB · Includes full RF specs, mechanical drawings & connector pinout

Technical Overview

High-Precision S/X Performance

Groundcom stations provide seamless S-Band (Uplink/Downlink) and X-Band (7.9-8.4GHz Downlink) operations. Featuring advanced monopulse tracking for sub-degree accuracy, our software-defined architecture handles S-band TT&C and high-speed X-band payload data simultaneously.

Fully autonomous and API-driven, it’s the ultimate solution for complex, data-heavy satellite constellations.

Download the full datasheet

PDF · 2.4 MB · Includes full RF specs, mechanical drawings & connector pinout

Technical specification (S)

Rx

(7900-8400 MHz)

Tx

(2025-2120 MHz)

EIRP

49 dBW

G/T

24.5 dB/K

Dish diameter

3 m

Antenna gain (3m dish) Xband

>45.5 dBi

Polarization RHCP/LHCP - electronically switchable

SW/HW modem based on customer requirements

Why Use Our ProducT

From Frustration
to First Contact

We stripped away the noise and kept what works. Ground communication should be straightforward, dependable, and ready when you need it most.

Problem

Overcoming Throughput & Precision Issues

As missions mature, the "bottleneck" shifts. It’s no longer just about talking to the satellite (S-Band); it’s about the massive amount of data coming back (X-Band). We address the two biggest technical hurdles: bandwidth limits and the extreme difficulty of tracking narrow X-Band beams.

Solution

Integrated Dual-Band Engineering

Instead of forcing you to synchronize two different antennas or complex third-party modems, we’ve built the S and X feeds into one "Plug & Play" unit. The addition of Monopulse Tracking is the "secret sauce"—it uses the signal itself to steer the dish, ensuring you never lose a drop of data.

result

Operational Mastery

The ultimate goal is peace of mind. By using a vertically integrated Groundcom station, you get a single interface (API/GUI) that handles everything from basic commands to heavy payload downloads. You save months of engineering time and get a professional-grade gateway that "just works."

Deployment Spotlight

Arctic CubeSat Operations Centre

A European university consortium operating a constellation of 4 CubeSats needed high-elevation polar coverage to maximise daily contact windows. Groundcom deployed a dual-station VHF/UHF installation at 78°N — one of the northernmost operational ground stations in the world.

The stations track all four spacecraft autonomously, logging telemetry and executing uplink commands without operator intervention during off-hours. Average daily contact time per satellite increased from 8 to 31 minutes.

31 min

Daily contact / sat

99.3%

Daily contact / sat

4x

Daily contact / sat

FAQ

Frequent questions

Why use X-band for downlink instead of just S-band?

While S-band is excellent for command and telemetry (TT&C), its bandwidth is limited. X-band (7.9-8.4GHz) is the industry standard for high-rate payload data, allowing you to download large image or sensor files much faster than S-band alone.

What is Monopulse Tracking and do I need it?

Monopulse tracking is an optional upgrade that uses the signal itself to keep the antenna perfectly centered. Because X-band beams are very narrow, this provides the extreme precision required for high-speed data missions where standard TLE tracking might not be enough.

Can the station handle S and X bands at the same time?

Yes. Our stations are designed for parallel operation. You can send commands to your satellite via S-band uplink while simultaneously downloading heavy payload data via the X-band downlink, all through one integrated signal chain.

What are the typical data rates for this configuration?

Our S-band links typically support up to 5 Mbps, while the high-speed X-band downlink is engineered for rates up to 300+ Mbps (depending on your satellite's radio), making it ideal for Earth Observation missions.

We have a complex mission—is this station "Plug & Play"?

Absolutely. Despite the dual-band complexity, we maintain our "Turn on and Use" philosophy. The RF frontend, polarization switching, and signal processing are all pre-configured and controlled via our intuitive web-based GUI and API.

Why This Is Right for You

If You've Made It This Far, the Answer Is Yes

You're operating or planning a CubeSat or small satellite mission and you need ground infrastructure that won't become a multi-month project. The Groundcom VHF/UHF line was designed for exactly this profile.

For the Earth Observation

Pro Max out your data return. Our X-band downlink provides the high-bandwidth pipe needed for high-resolution imagery and heavy sensor data.

For the Experienced Operator

Take full control of complex missions with a station that supports parallel TT&C and payload operations through a single API.

For the High-Precision Mission

Ensure every bit is captured. Monopulse tracking provides the elite-level pointing accuracy required for narrow X-band signal locks.

For the Global Network Builder

Add a powerhouse node to your network. Our S/X stations are built for the heavy-duty cycles of commercial constellation management.

For the Reliability Seeker

Eliminate the risk of custom integrations. Our manufactured-to-last, dual-band solution is tested and proven in the world's most extreme climates.

For the Strategic Scaler

Future-proof your ground segment. Own the station for dedicated payload downlinks while utilizing our shared network for global backup and TT&C.

Not Sure Yet? Let's Talk.

Our engineers are happy to review your mission profile, link budget, and site constraints — and give you an honest recommendation, even if it's not our product. No obligation, no sales pressure.

Download the full datasheet

PDF · 2.4 MB · Includes full RF specs, mechanical drawings & connector pinout