Satellite town is a compound noun that refers to a community located near a larger city. The word "satellite" is pronounced as /ˈsætəlaɪt/ with stress on the second syllable, which represents a celestial body orbiting around another object. The word "town" is pronounced as /taʊn/ with stress on the first syllable, which means a densely populated area smaller than a city. Together, "satellite town" is pronounced as /ˈsætəlaɪt taʊn/ with stress on the second syllable of "satellite" and the first syllable of "town."
A satellite town refers to a planned urban area or settlement situated close to a larger city or metropolis. This term is commonly used in urban planning and geography to describe a community that functions as a subsidiary or extension of the main city, providing additional residential, commercial, and recreational facilities to alleviate the pressure on the core city. The purpose of a satellite town is to act as a self-contained entity that offers its residents a balance between urban living and a peaceful environment.
These satellite towns are typically developed to accommodate population growth, reduce the strain on the central city, and encourage decentralization. They usually have their own infrastructure, including housing, schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and transportation networks, to cater to the needs of residents, enabling them to live and work within the satellite town without having to commute to the core city on a daily basis.
Satellite towns are envisioned to be well-connected to the main city through public transport systems, such as buses, trains, or highways, to facilitate easy commuting for residents working in the central city. By creating separate centers of activity and development, satellite towns also aim to promote regional economic growth and alleviate congestion and overcrowding in the main city.
In summary, a satellite town is an urban expansion planned around a larger city, providing additional services and infrastructure to accommodate population growth, decentralize activities, and improve the overall quality of life for its residents.
The word "satellite" in the context of "satellite town" originates from the Latin word "satelles", meaning "attendant" or "bodyguard". This term was initially used to describe the moons that revolve around a planet. The usage of "satellite" to refer to an artificial object launched into space to orbit the Earth originated during the Space Age in the mid-20th century.
The term "satellite town" emerged in the early 20th century to describe a planned residential community located outside a major city or metropolitan area. These towns were designed to address urbanization challenges, overcrowding, and limited housing in the city center. They were often developed to accommodate population growth and provide housing options for individuals working in the nearby city.
The concept of satellite towns took inspiration from the idea of celestial bodies orbiting around a central entity, much like the relationship between a satellite town and its neighboring city.