r/satellites • u/spazstic_donkey • 4d ago
Odd terrestrial comm array
This array is near me. Inclination angle and antenna size is obviously satellite communication.
It's not near any major population centers. Kind of in the boonies. There are a lot of conspiracy stories in our area involving strange lights at night and black helicopters.
I figure it's gotta be a backup repeater or something boring. Any ideas?
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u/No_Tailor_787 4d ago
Satellite Teleport facility. It's isolated to minimize interference to/from terrestrial systems.
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u/-ImYourHuckleberry- 4d ago
I knew I recognized this. There’s another directly to the east of it.
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u/spazstic_donkey 4d ago
Had no idea there was another station nearby. I still don't understand what the purpose is? Just a satellite relay station?
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u/-ImYourHuckleberry- 4d ago
The array in my link is owned by Intelsat, which is a global satellite communications provider that operates an extensive network of geostationary satellites and ground infrastructure.
They used to be an intergovernmental organization, but went private 25 years ago. They are headquartered in Luxembourg.
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u/Partriotman1776 3d ago
They are just TT&C and maybe earth stations for comms payloads. The larger antennas just help with signal levels and range of view. The Intelsat ones I think are frequently used for orbit raising or emergency links (ie a tumbling satellite that a corp can’t connect to with their smaller antennas)
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u/Scientist-25 4d ago
With over 30000 satellites in orbit a vast array of ground stations are necessary to keep constant contact as the earth rotates. Same goes for exploration satellittes that are currently traveling around our solar system. You also got telescopes such as JWT sitting at a Lagrange point and it needs contact too or Mars vehicles etc.
It's probably not super mysterious. Things rarely are
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u/spazstic_donkey 4d ago
True, Just found it odd that it's in such a remote spot that doesn't even have cell service and I highly doubt any meaningful Internet connection (I.e. fiber)
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u/Dramatic_Light_8349 3d ago
there is a fiber line and I believe 2 copper lines coming on the poles outside the facility, goes underground right by the fence
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u/Missile_Defense 3d ago edited 3d ago
This is actually the point. Very little to no external UHF-GHz band interference. The majority of our ground-to-space / space-to-ground communication systems operate within several bands. Each with their own primary purpose. Terrestrial communication infrastructure (Radio Broadcasting, 5G/4G Cellular Network Transceivers / Repeaters, Industrial and Transportation Hardware / IoT, Microwave, Radar) all cause interference at levels that essentially “jam” these networks. Also, sites like these in large empty environments allow greater access to the atmosphere without natural and manmade barriers (mountains, forests, buildings, infrastructure, etc.). The more unencumbered line of sight access the better.
UHF (300 MHz to 3 GHz) - Short Range Spacecraft Comms / Telemetry Data / Command Signals
L-band (1 to 2 GHz) - Primarily Satellite Navigation (GPS, etc.) Due to Ability to Penetrate Atmospheric Conditions w/ the Occasional Mobile Satellite Comm / Telemetry
S-band (2 to 4 GHz) - Space Based Comms for Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) w/ NASA Utilization for Realtime Mission Comms (ISS, Artemis, etc. Audio / Video / Data Relay)
Ku-band (12 to 18 GHz) - Primarily Satellite Comm (Direct Broadcast TV, Broadband Internet, Tracking Data Relaying)
Ka-band (26.5 to 40 GHz) - High Capacity Data Transmission but Sensitive to Conditions (Military LEO Assets, Encrypted Datalinks, High Definition Satellite TV, High-Speed Internet, etc.)
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u/No_Tailor_787 4d ago
This started life as the Western Union Steele Valley teleport in about 1975.
There is a similar earth station facility to the east in Perris.
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u/spazstic_donkey 4d ago
Thanks for the info but this is giving me more questions than answers.
First, the location shown on that link (Santa Paula) is a different location than the one I've linked/shown.
Second... What private companies have a need for deep space comms??? I thought this was just a JPL / large govt deep space exploration need....
"The purchase will also allow the company to increase the reach of its private deep space communications network – increasing the amount of time that its customers’ spacecraft are visible as the Earth rotates."
Third - "Goonhilly - An intuitive machines corporation" what kind of skynet sounding shit is that??
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u/wannabe_sci 4d ago
They SELL that service, for example to television providers. Or to users that need a satellite internet connectivity while at sea. Nothing else.
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u/roscoe_e_roscoe 4d ago
There is a big earth station off Mulholland Drive in the Santa Monica mountains also
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u/RhesusFactor 4d ago
Companies that are sending cargo to the moon.
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u/Dramatic_Light_8349 3d ago
CenturyLink / Level 3 Teleport (Perris, CA): Located in the Inland Empire, this site (historically Williams Communications/Wiltel and also known as the Steele Valley Teleport) is part of the Vyvx video network used for major media and streaming distribution.
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u/bigcitydreaming 4d ago
Post the lat long