![]() ![]() As mentioned earlier, many are geostationary satellites, as they have a Geostationary Orbit (GEO), which is 22,236 miles (35,785 km) from the earth’s surface. Satellites can be classified as per their orbits. This allocation of bands reduces the chances of signal interference. To avoid signal interference, international organizations have regulations stating which frequency ranges (or bands) certain organizations are permitted to use. Communications satellites use a wide range of radio and microwave frequencies. What these communications satellites do is they relay the signal around the curve of the earth thus making possible communication between widely removed geographical points. Since the high frequency radio waves used for telecommunications links travel by line of sight, they get obstructed by the curve of the earth. The orbital period of these satellites is the same as the rotation rate of the Earth, which in turn allows the satellite dish antennas of ground stations to be aimed permanently at that spot they do not have to move along and track it. Several are in geostationary orbit 22,236 miles (35,785 km) above the equator, so that the satellite appears stationary at the same point in the sky. There are currently 2,134 communications satellites in the earth’s orbit and these comprise both private and government organizations. Communications satellites are used for television, telephone, radio, internet, and military applications. It basically creates a communication channel between a source transmitter and a receiver at different locations on earth. They are called so because they are used for communication purposes.Ī communications satellite is an artificial satellite that relays and amplifies radio telecommunications signals through a transponder. In this blog, we shall take a close look at communications satellites. More often than not, the rocket lifts off from a launch pad on land but there are some that have been launched at sea from a submarine or a mobile maritime platform, or aboard a plane. How are these satellites launched into space? This is done with a launch vehicle, basically a rocket that places the satellite into orbit. Well-known (overlapping) classes include low earth orbit, polar orbit, and geostationary orbit. Satellite orbits differ greatly, depending on the purpose of the satellite, and are classified in a number of ways. In fact, space stations and human spacecraft in orbit are also satellites. Satellite subsystems carry out many tasks, such as power generation, thermal control, telemetry, attitude. Satellites are usually semi-independent computer-controlled systems. Common types include military and civilian earth observation satellites, communications satellites, navigation satellites, weather satellites, and space telescopes. For instance, they can be used to make star maps and maps of planetary surfaces, and also take pictures of planets they are launched into. It is important to note here that satellites are used for several purposes. Since then, about 8,900 satellites from more than 40 countries have been launched. It was launched into space on 4 October 1957 by the Soviet Union. Sputnik 1 is the world’s first artificial satellite. Much like their natural counterparts, these orbit a planet and the key difference is that they have been intentionally placed into orbit. Today, the term satellite typically refers to artificial objects flown in space. In the solar system, there are six planetary satellite systems containing 185 known natural satellites. The moon is an example of a natural satellite that orbits the earth. Some satellites are natural, while others are artificial (man-made). But before we look at how satellites help us communicate across huge distances, let us start at the beginning.Ī satellite is basically any object that revolves (or in other words, orbits) around another object in space. Which brings us to the topic of our latest blog. How does satellite communication work? Given extensively satellites are used today for communication - among other - purposes, this is an increasingly relevant question.
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