downlinking
Downlinking is the transmission of data from a satellite, spacecraft, or airborne platform to a ground-based receiving station. It is the counterpart to uplinking, the transmission from ground to space. Downlink data includes telemetry, payload data, imagery, and other information returned to Earth for processing and use.
The downlink path typically starts with the spacecraft transmitter emitting a modulated RF signal. The signal
Downlink architectures vary. Direct downlinks transmit directly to one or more ground stations. Indirect or relay
Applications and considerations. Downlinking is essential for Earth observation, weather monitoring, space science, and communications satellites.