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Definition

Free Space Path Loss

FSPL

The signal attenuation between an isotropic transmitter and isotropic receiver in free space, dependent on distance and frequency. The dominant loss term in most space-to-ground link budgets.

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Related terms

Forward Error CorrectionFEC

Coding schemes that add redundancy to a data stream so errors can be detected and corrected at the receiver without retr...

X-band

A radio frequency band from 8 to 12 GHz used heavily for deep space and high-rate Earth observation downlinks. Offers go...

Ka-band

A radio frequency band from 26.5 to 40 GHz, increasingly used for high-bandwidth satellite downlinks. Higher gain than X...

Doppler Shift

The change in observed frequency due to relative motion between transmitter and receiver. Critical for LEO ground statio...

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