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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-satellite-beacon-telemetry

What telemetry information is typically transmitted by satellite beacons?

Health and status of the satellite.

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  1. Signal strength of received signals
  2. Time of day to a tenth of a second
  3. Health and status of the satellite ✔

Why: Telemetry is data about the satellite itself, like battery voltage and temperatures. Ground stations decode it to see how the satellite is doing.

Huh, didn't know that: A satellite beacon is one source of health and status telemetry.

The dad joke
The satellite sent a checkup report. Battery fine, temperature fine, still spinning in circles.
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References

Answer: Health and status of the satellite. Telemetry is data about the satellite itself, like battery voltage and temperatures. Ground stations decode it to see how the satellite is doing.

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (February 19, 2026 errata) ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    C. Health and status of the satellite
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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