This schematic drawing illustrates the workings of a data link system. The system is composed of four elements:
- the Ground Antenna (which looks like a truck with an antenna extended from the back),
- the Ground Control Station (a satellite dish mounted on an unattached, flat-bed truck trailer),
- the UAS (airborne above the Ground System, which is the Ground Antenna and Ground Control Station together) and
- a Satellite, floating in space.
Between the Ground Antenna and the Ground Control Station is a two-way arrow containing the words "Wire, fiber optics, RF"
An arrow points from the Ground Control Station to the UAS. It contains the words "Uplink commands - few kbs"
An arrow points from the UAS to the Ground Control Station. It contains the words "Status - few kbs; Sensor data - about 10Mbs."
A two-directional arrow between the UAS and the Satellite contains the words "Alternate via satellite or other relay."
A two-directional arrow between the Ground Control Station and the Satellite contains the words "Alternate: satellite or other relay."