Methods, systems, and devices are described for estimating a frequency response using a received signal. A first spectral estimation is performed on a digitized representation of an initial version of a wireless signal. A second spectral estimation is performed on the digitized representation of the wireless signal as received from the transmitter. The first spectral estimation is compared with the second spectral estimation to estimate a frequency response. A later signal transmitted from the transmitter may be pre-distorted to compensate for the estimated frequency response. The disclosed frequency response estimation techniques may be used in a satellite communications system.