01Definition
The ground segment is the part of a space system on Earth: the ground stations, networks, and control systems that command satellites and receive their data.
The ground segment is usually the largest attack surface of a space platform, because it is reachable over terrestrial networks. Securing it is the focus of the ground segment security engineer role.
02Related terms
- Space segment: The space segment is the part of a space system that is in orbit: the satellites and spacecraft themselves.
- Link segment: The link segment is the set of communication links that connect the ground and the space segments of a space system.
- Telemetry, tracking, and command: Telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) is the system that monitors a spacecraft, tracks its position, and sends it commands.
03Learn more
See space cybersecurity, operations and resilience for how these terms fit together, or browse the full glossary.