my wifi can’t even reach my bedroom
In: Technology
The antennas on satellites are what we call “high gain” antennas. Unlike a terrestrial AM or FM radio station which sends its signal out in a nearly 360 degree pattern, a high gain antenna focuses the signal so more energy is radiated to a particular direction in space. These antennas are pointed toward earth so that more of radiated signal is beamed toward us.
Also, on the receiving end, NASA, ESA, etc. have high-gain receiving antennas which are pointed toward the satellites in space. Because they are high gain antennas, radio signals that they pick up are essentially amplified, but they generally only pick up signals which originate from the direction that they’re pointed in. Signals which come in from the side or rear don’t get amplified.
They also use frequencies which are not generally used in terrestrial operations so there is less interference.
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