A system and method for detecting and addressing silent failures in a satellite communication system includes a satellite, one or more test terminals deployed within coverage beams of the satellite, and a central station configured to communicate with the test terminals. The test terminals are configured to establish a communication link over the satellite communication system, perform a plurality of tests, and transmit the test results to the central station. The central station: determines if system performance is below specified levels, and initiates at least one solution to improve system performance.