Satellites, in the context of astronomy and space exploration, are artificial objects or machines designed to orbit around celestial bodies such as planets, moons, or asteroids. These man-made satellites are launched into space and rely on the gravitational pull of a celestial body to remain in orbit. Functioning as remote sensing tools, satellites are equipped with various instruments and sensors to gather data about the Earth, other planets, or outer space.
Satellites serve numerous purposes depending on their design and intended function. Communication satellites, for example, facilitate long-distance communication by receiving and transmitting signals to and from Earth. Weather satellites monitor atmospheric conditions and collect data used to predict weather patterns and study climate change. Earth observation satellites gather valuable information about the Earth's surface, oceans, and atmosphere, aiding in environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management. Furthermore, navigation satellites play a crucial role in positioning systems such as GPS, ensuring accurate and reliable navigation for users worldwide.
Satellites can be classified into different types based on their orbits, including geostationary orbit, low Earth orbit, polar orbit, and elliptical orbit. Each orbit serves a specific purpose, such as coverage area, data resolution, or mission duration.
In summary, satellites are artificially created objects that orbit around celestial bodies and are equipped with various instruments for data collection and transmission. They have become integral to modern society, supporting telecommunications, weather forecasting, global navigation, and environmental monitoring.
