System for controlling communications between a terminal and satellite and method therefore

A system for determining uplink transmission quality of timing probe signals sent from a terminal to a satellite the satellite having a system to provide an indicator signal to the terminal as to whether a timing probe signal sent from the terminal has been received thereby. Timing probe signals are sent to the satellite, which determines if they are received. If not received, the satellite informs the terminal. The terminal thereafter increases transmission power until the satellite informs the terminal of receipt. The terminal thereafter adjusts the transmission power downward until the satellite no longer detects the signal. The process is repeated so that terminal power transmission is kept at a minimum.