Sure, we've heard about it many times, but do you really know what a satellite is and what it can do for us?
A satellite is an artificial object that is placed in orbit around the Earth.
Or another celestial body.
It is made to fulfill several functions.
For example, such as communication, Earth observation, navigation, scientific research, among others.
Satellites can be classified into several categories.
Communications satellites
meteorological satellites
, Earth observation satellites.
military satellites
Navigation satellites.
scientific satellites, among others.
Each type of satellite has a specific function and is equipped with appropriate instruments and communication systems to perform its function.
Satellites are launched into space using rockets and can be placed in different types of orbits, depending on their target.
For example, communication satellites are placed in geostationary orbits, which allows them to always be in a fixed position in relation to the Earth's surface.
Earth observation satellites are placed in polar orbits, allowing us to observe different regions of the planet at every turn.
Satellites play an important role in many aspects of modern life, from global communication to weather forecasting, natural disaster monitoring, GPS navigation and scientific research.
Artificial satellites
Man-made objects that are placed in orbit around the Earth or other celestial bodies, such as planets and moons.
They are used for a variety of purposes such as communications, navigation, Earth observation, scientific and military research.
The first artificial satellites were launched in the 1950s, during the Cold War, by the United States and the Soviet Union.
Since then, thousands of satellites have been launched into orbit, including satellites for communications, Earth observation, navigation and scientific research.
Communications satellites are used to transmit telephone, television, and Internet signals around the world.
Earth observation satellites are used to monitor weather, soil conditions and the environment, and to track natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes.
Navigation satellites, such as GPS, are used to determine the position and speed of a moving object.
Artificial satellites are built with lightweight and resistant materials to withstand extreme space conditions, such as weightlessness and exposure to radiation.
They are launched into orbit by rockets and, once in orbit, can operate for several years before being removed from service or decommissioned.
Natural satellites
Natural satellites are celestial bodies that orbit a planet.
They are called “natural” to differentiate them from artificial satellites, which are placed into orbit by humans.
There are many natural satellites in our solar system.
The Moon is Earth's largest and best-known natural satellite, orbiting the planet at an average distance of about 384,400 kilometers.
Other planets, such as Jupiter, Saturn and their
Natural satellites generally fall into two categories: regular and irregular.
Regular satellites are those that orbit their planet in a circular or elliptical orbit, usually in the same plane as the planet's equator.
Irregular satellites have more eccentric and inclined orbits, and are often captured by the planet rather than forming together.
Natural satellites play an important role in our solar system, influencing the rotation of the planet they orbit around and affecting tides in bodies of water such as oceans and lakes.
If you want to watch, there are several apps available for download, including from NASA.
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They can also be explored to obtain scientific information about the planet they orbit and about space in general.
