S - Band Transmitter

The S-band Transmitter is a principal part of the Space Station's communications system.  The S-band transmitter allows high speed radio transmission of data regarding the operation of the Space Station and scientific experiments running on board.  The S-band Transmitter sends data either directly to the ground or to one of NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRSS) and on to a mission control center on the ground.

Scientists and engineers at these mission control centers then analyze the data, and store it for futher detailed analysis.  If appropriate, those staff at mission control may instruct the Space Station's computers or the astronauts and cosmonauts on board to make changes in order to improve the station's operating efficiency or an experiment's output of information.  By using such a network of resources on the ground and in space, engineers and scientists hope to get the best possible results from the Space Station program.
