VHF/UHF
Ground Station

Manufactured with precision and to standards that meet professional requirements. Ready to use - proven in our shared ground station network.

We also provide UHF-only version of this station.
Technical Overview

Engineered for
Nanosatellite Operators

This ground station solution offers a fully autonomous, software-defined gateway with VHF/UHF configurations, automatic TLE-based tracking, and specialized polarization switching for high-performance satellite communication. The system features an integrated modem supporting multiple modulation schemes and provides either processed data or raw IQ data output for flexible mission integration. Request the full technical datasheet for detailed EIRP, G/T, and power consumption specifications.

Download the full datasheet

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

Technical specification

Tx/Rx

half-duplex

VHF frequency band

137-138, 143-150 MHz

UHF frequency band

430-450 MHz

UHF frequency band

395-405MHz

Antenna gains

VHF 13 dBic, UHF 16 dBic

G/T = -12dB/K (VHF)

and -11db/K (UHF)

Max. power 100

VHF-band EIRP

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

What frequency bands do your ground stations support?

Our systems are fully configurable for VHF (137-139MHz, 144-148MHz) and UHF (395-403 MHz, 430-450 MHz). You can choose a VHF-only, UHF-only, or a combined VHF+UHF configuration depending on your mission requirements.

Which modulations and protocols are supported?

Groundcom stations support a wide range of standard modulations including GMSK, AFSK, QPSK, BPSK, and FSK. We also support industry-standard protocols like AX25 and AX100 to ensure compatibility with most off-the-shelf satellite radios.

How accurate is the satellite tracking?

Our stations feature fully autonomous tracking based on public or custom TLEs. The system achieves a tracking accuracy of <1 degree with high-speed movement capability and a wide range of motion (-90° to +450° Azimuth; 0° to 180° Elevation).

Can I use my own data processing pipeline?

Absolutely. We designed our system to be flexible. You can choose to have the station process the entire signal and provide clean data content to your Mission Control, or you can receive raw IQ data directly for your own specific external processing.

Is it possible to integrate the station with my existing software?

Yes. While we provide a user-friendly Web-based GUI for manual control and real-time spectrum viewing, the entire system is also controllable via a powerful API interface for seamless integration into your automated workflows.

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.

Scalable Configurations

Whether you’re launching a university CubeSat or a commercial fleet, our VHF/UHF configurations adapt to your mission. You get precision-engineered hardware tailored to your specific frequency needs, ensuring you never overpay for unnecessary features while maintaining professional-grade performance for both primary and backup TT&C.

Full Operational Autonomy

Eliminate manual errors with 100% autonomous tracking and "set-and-forget" automation. Based on TLE data, the system handles Doppler correction, antenna switching, and pass calculations automatically. This reduces the need for constant engineering supervision, allowing your team to focus on mission data rather than ground segment maintenance.

Professional vs. Amateur Gear

Stop relying on fragile radio-amateur components. Our stations provide industrial reliability with <1° tracking accuracy and high-speed movement. For startups, this minimizes technical risk; for mature operators, it provides a dependable, "always-on" internal capability that outclasses DIY setups in every metric.

Flexible Data Processing

Our "Open Pipeline" approach lets you choose: use our integrated modems for standard data delivery or forward raw IQ data for your own proprietary processing. This eliminates the worry of being locked into a specific system, ensuring compatibility with any "off-the-shelf" or custom satellite radio.

Remote API Integration

Manage your ground station from anywhere via a web-based GUI or a robust API. With real-time spectrum views and automatic waterfall generation, you gain full transparency into your signal health. It’s designed to integrate seamlessly into modern, automated Mission Control systems for effortless remote operations.

Reduced Mission Risk

VHF/UHF is the safest path for mission-critical links, and Groundcom makes it foolproof. By providing a professional, plug-and-play ground segment, we lower the technical barriers for your satellite. We ensure that your first "hello" from space is clear, consistent, and documented from the very first pass.

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