Tolhuin, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Tierra del Fuego Ground Station

Date Built:

2016

Type

Communication

Purpose

The Tierra del Fuego Ground Station, located at the southern tip of South America, holds the distinction of being the southernmost ground station on the continent with both tracking, telemetry, and command (TT&C) and data download capabilities. This strategic location allows the station to provide vital support for satellite missions operating in polar orbits, including those that pass over the high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. Its TT&C capabilities are crucial for maintaining precise communication with satellites, ensuring that mission commands are executed accurately and that telemetry data is continuously monitored. In addition to its primary functions, Tierra del Fuego Ground Station supports a variety of satellite missions by facilitating data download and transmission. Its remote location provides unique advantages for tracking satellites with polar orbits, offering extensive coverage and uninterrupted communication capabilities. This is particularly important for Earth observation satellites that require frequent and reliable data exchanges to monitor environmental changes and conduct scientific research. The station’s position also makes it an essential asset for international collaborations in space missions, contributing to global satellite operations and data collection efforts.

Site Owners

Ground Segment Services

Site Operators

Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales

Other Facilities

National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE)

Affiliated Organizations

Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT)

References