Functions of a Satellite

James H. / Physics 337 / April 17, 1997
[ Back Home]

[ What is a satellite ] [ Orbit of a Satellite ] [Repairing a Satellite ] [ Runaway Satellites ]

A satellite, in today's world has many different applications in many fields. Although before artificial satellites were invented a satellite was known as the moon or other planets. The moon is a satellite of the earth, it orbits around the earth due to the gravitational forces of the bodies. However, today when people hear the word satellite they thing of man made objects orbiting around the earth. Which is true and in the rest of my paper I will tell you exactly what a satellite is.


What is a satellite ?

An artificial satellite is a man made object placed into orbit around the Earth for the purpose of scientific research, weather reports, or military reconnaissance. Scientific satellites are set into orbit to observe the space environment, the Earth, the Sun, stars and extra galactic objects. These satellites have retrieved a huge amount of information helpful to scientific research. Weather satellites are used every day for meteorological forecasts and in shipping. Also military satellites play a important role in today's modern military. Satellites are extremely important today. All artificial satellites have certain features in common. They all include radar systems, sensors like optical devices in observation satellites and receivers and transmitters in communication satellites. Solar cells are used to generate power for the satellites and in some cases ,nuclear power is used. All satellites need altitude-control equipment to keep the satellite in the desired orbit.( Grolier Encyclopedia). All this information should answer the question what is a satellite.

Orbit of a Satellite

The orbit of the satellite is achieved when it is given a horizontal velocity of 17,500 mph at sea level causing the Earth's surface to curve away and as fast as it curves away gravity pulls the object downward and at this point the satellite achieved orbit. As the altitude of the satellite increases, its velocity decreases and its period increases. The period of satellite is the time the satellite takes to make on revolution around the Earth. Satellites in later orbit are called synchronous satellites. If the satellite orbits in a equatorial plane, it is called geostationary which means it is always over the same place on earth at all times. This form of orbit is used in weather for reports of a certain area at all times.( Grolier Encyclopedia ) The orbit of a satellite is very scientific but not hard to understand.

Repairing a Satellite

Most people would think how can you repair a satellite when you are on earth at it is in orbit above you in space. the only possible way to repair satellites is to go into space and get them. That seems like a hard task almost impossible although it is hard today it is capable by space shuttle. The astronauts have to grab hold of the satellite by the arm in the shuttle then lock down the satellite in the shuttle's payload pay. The next step in the process would be to make a series of space walks by the astronauts to repair or in some cases replace malfunctioning systems.( World Book )

Runaway Satellites

Most likely after a satellite is placed in a sufficient orbit it will stay on course although, if it does lose its orbit it can not fall back down to earth. But don't worry. The satellite slows down due to air fiction as gravity begins to pull the satellite down. The particles surrounding the satellite and the pressure from the sun's energy will cause the satellite to burn up. On the other hand, if satellite goes off course, in the opposite direction, it will continue to float in space and just became another piece of space junk. The is no reason to fear runaway satellites. The only person to worry is the one that paid for the satellite. ( World Book )

Conclusion

This should have supplied you with information about the functions of a satellite. Which includes, the different orbits of a satellite and the results of a dead satellite. Also the difficulty of repairing a damage satellite. Almost every field is enhanced by the use of artificial satellites. Satellites have help improve our technology a great deal.

Works Cited

"Satellite, Artificial". Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. CD-ROM. Groiler Electronic

Publishing. 1992

"Satellite, Artificial". World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia. CD-ROM. World

Publishing. Chicago:1995