An example of a satellite in geostationary transfer orbit
An artificial satellite is a man-made object that orbits a celestial body.
In a general sense, any man-made object in orbit can be considered a satellite, like spaceships waiting in low Earth orbit, Space Stations and debris. However, in a strict sense, an artificial satellite is an unmanned space probe in orbit. Satellites are designed to orbit and not to land (as long as they are still functional/useful), so they may have Ion Engines, RCS Thrusters, Solar Panels, docking ports, small fuel tanks and Batteries, but they are not expected to have other engines or parachutes (though parachutes are useful when using satellites to deorbit a craft, and powerful engines can be useful in compound rockets with components docked together in orbit).
Uses[]
Satellites can be used for the following:
- Observation Satellite;
- Weather Satellite;
- Telescope;
- Classified Satellites / Spy Satellites;
- Communication Satellites;
- Internet Satellites;
- Cubesat/s (e.g Diwata 1 & 2, Maya 3 & 4);
- Science Satellite;
- Mapping/Mapping 3D Satellite
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Satellites and space probes are related but there is a difference between them.
- Space probes explore outside Earth's influence, including the Moon while satellites don't.