Signal Transmission from Mars to Earth

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of radio signals transmitted from Mars to Earth, specifically focusing on the types of signals used, their frequencies, and the technology behind them. The scope includes technical explanations and exploratory reasoning regarding signal transmission in space.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the type of radio signal used for communication from Mars, suggesting it is not FM/AM.
  • Another participant proposes that the signal is likely digital FM.
  • It is noted that the frequency used is in the UHF range, with some participants suggesting that the signals are digital and frequency modulated.
  • A participant mentions that NASA uses microwave C band and X band frequencies for communication, specifying uplink and downlink frequencies of approximately 7.8 GHz and 8.4 GHz, respectively.
  • There is a discussion about the advantages of microwaves in space communication, such as better travel efficiency, lower power requirements, and higher data transmission capacity compared to lower frequency bands.
  • One participant speculates that NASA likely uses QAM modulation for data transmission, although this is not confirmed.
  • A suggestion is made about building a personal receiver to pick up signals from Mars probes, with a link provided for further information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints regarding the type of signals and frequencies used, with no consensus reached on the specific modulation technique employed by NASA. Multiple competing views remain regarding the nature of the signals and their technical specifications.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the modulation techniques and the specific characteristics of the signals remain unresolved. The discussion does not clarify the exact definitions or implications of the terms used, such as "digital FM" or "QAM."

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When they say it takes about 5-6 mins to send radio signal back to earth, what kind radio signal are they talking about? Not FM/AM signal right?
 
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I'm betting digital FM
 
Looks like the frequency is in the UHF range (the same frequency band as some tv stations and many other types of radio communications), and yes, I'd also guess that they are digital, frequency modulated.

Also, at its minimum, Mars is about 35 million miles (3 minutes) and at its maximum, it is about 220 million miles (19 minutes).
 
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NASA uses microwave C band and X band frequencies to communicate with the probes. Uplink is in C band about in 7.8 GHz range, and downlink is 8.4 GHz.

Microwaves travel a lot better in space, require less power, and more data can be sent than on lower frequency bands.

I don't remember what modulation Nasa uses, but it's probably QAM because you can cram a lot of data.

If interested, you can build your own receiver to pick up signal from Mars probes, no kidding.

http://www.uhf-satcom.com/vex/

hope that helps
 
Last edited by a moderator:
what said:
NASA uses microwave C band and X band frequencies to communicate with the probes. Uplink is in C band about in 7.8 GHz range, and downlink is 8.4 GHz.

Microwaves travel a lot better in space, require less power, and more data can be sent than on lower frequency bands.

I don't remember what modulation Nasa uses, but it's probably QAM because you can cram a lot of data.

If interested, you can build your own receiver to pick up signal from Mars probes, no kidding.

http://www.uhf-satcom.com/vex/

hope that helps

Wow cool contraptions. Thanks. I'm try to set one up.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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