Signal Transmission from Mars to Earth

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the types of radio signals used for communication between Mars and Earth, specifically noting that NASA employs microwave C band and X band frequencies for this purpose. The uplink frequency is approximately 7.8 GHz, while the downlink is around 8.4 GHz, allowing for efficient transmission of data over vast distances. Microwaves are preferred due to their superior travel capabilities in space, lower power requirements, and higher data capacity compared to lower frequency bands. The modulation method likely used by NASA is Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), which facilitates dense data transmission. Additionally, there is interest in building personal receivers to capture signals from Mars probes.
NeoScience
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
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?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
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).
 
Last edited:
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:
waht 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:

Thread 'Population 3 star (Pop III) candidate LAP1'

"Pop III stars are thought to be composed entirely of helium and hydrogen with trace amounts of lithium, the ingredients left over after the Big Bang. They formed early on, around 200 million years after the universe began. These stars are extremely rare because they died out long ago, although scientists have hoped that the faint light from these distant, ancient objects would be detectable. Previous Population III candidates have been ruled out because they didn't meet the three main...
View full post »

Similar threads

I How big a lunar radio telescope to detect Earth-like signals?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
B Feasibility of Sending a Radio Signal Detectable from a Neighboring Star
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
413
Does it make sense to build new radio telescopes?
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
885
I Strange radio signal from Proxima Centauri
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
I Analyzing Time Dilation in a Spaceship-Mars Scenario
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Stargazing Join the occult (Dec. 7th/8th, Moon will occult Mars.)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
A Mars as Second Earth: Slowing Down Its Orbit
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
4K
Thought Experiment about light speed
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Stargazing Phase of radio waves received by a radio telescope dish
  • · Replies 56 ·
2
Replies
56
Views
7K
I Is Late Water Flow on Mars Linked to Climate Change or Permafrost Melting?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K