Satellite
Satellite
Satellite
Satellites are used for many purposes. Among several other applications,
they can be used to make star maps and maps of planetary surfaces, and
also take pictures of planets they are launched into. Common types include
military and civilian Earth observation satellites, communications satellites,
navigation satellites, weather satellites, and space telescopes. Space stations
and human spacecraft in orbit are also satellites.
Satellites can operate by themselves or as part of a larger system, a satellite
formation or satellite constellation.
Satellite orbits vary greatly, depending on the purpose of the satellite, and
are classified in a number of ways. Well-known (overlapping) classes
include low Earth orbit, polar orbit, and geostationary orbit.
A launch vehicle is a rocket that places a satellite into orbit. Usually, it lifts
off from a launch pad on land. Some are launched at sea from a submarine
or a mobile maritime platform, or aboard a plane (see air launch to orbit).
Satellites are usually semi-independent computer-controlled systems.
Satellite subsystems attend many tasks, such as power generation, thermal
control, telemetry, attitude control, scientific instrumentation,
communication, etc.