Plain-language answer: A satellite pass is the interval when an orbiting satellite is above a ground station’s usable horizon.
Why the definition matters
A pass has an acquisition time, rising azimuth, maximum elevation, setting azimuth, and loss time. Terrain, antenna pattern, satellite status, and Doppler shorten the practical window.
Use the number correctly
Use current orbital elements, verify the station location and clock, preprogram frequencies, and watch the whole predicted track rather than only maximum elevation.
The common mistake
Assuming every predicted geometric pass provides a working radio contact.
Measurement and safety boundary
Keep reference units, bandwidth, detector, direction, averaging, and test conditions attached to every number. Current regulator requirements and the complete installed system control RF-exposure compliance.
