Glossary
Definitions
4 definitions
Payload
The mission-specific equipment carried by a satellite — cameras, radar systems, or communication transponders — that delivers the actual service, as distinct from the bus that supports it.
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
A compact personal emergency transmitter that, when manually activated, broadcasts a 406 MHz distress signal via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite network to alert rescue authorities of the user's GPS position — used by hikers, climbers, and solo adventurers as a one-way emergency signalling device with no subscription fee.
Phased Array Antenna
An antenna system comprising hundreds or thousands of small radiating elements whose relative signal phases are electronically controlled to steer the beam in any direction without mechanical movement, enabling rapid tracking of LEO satellites.
Prime Contractor
The company with overall responsibility for delivering a satellite system under a single contract — integrating spacecraft design, manufacturing, testing, and launch coordination — typically a large aerospace firm such as Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, Boeing Space, or Lockheed Martin.