Ground-based stations are facilities located on the Earth's surface that support various types of communication and data collection. They are commonly used in fields like meteorology, telecommunications, and space exploration. These stations often include antennas, receivers, and transmitters to facilitate the exchange of information with satellites or other remote systems. In the context of space missions, ground-based stations play a crucial role in tracking spacecraft, receiving data, and sending commands. They are essential for organizations like NASA and ESA to monitor satellite health and gather scientific data from missions, ensuring effective communication between Earth and space.