footprint
An example of an elliptical footprint with a reception area of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The ellipses indicate the necessary antenna diameter for receiving in cm.
1. In the case of a communications
satellite, the footprint is the map of the signal strength showing the power contours
of equal signal strengths as they cover the Earth's surface.
2. In the case of a spacecraft lander, the footprint is the area within which the vehicle is targeted to touch down.
