Recent Advances of Satellites
Jennifer R / Physics 11-Sect. #338 / 14 April 1997
In the years to come, there are many projected plans in the area of
satellites. This will be a benefit to the United States and the rest of
the world. Some of these advances are in satellite photography, communications,
and weather technology. Some of the future advances are in the distant
future, while others are being developed right now.
How Satellites are Used
Today
Today Satellites are used for direct broadcast television, wireless
cable, cellular telephone, photography, and video tele-conferencing. The
special sports programs, movies, and news broadcasts are all televised
because of satellites. Artificial satellites have been launched to photograph
the moon, Mars, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter. Other satellites send information,
back to the Earth about the weather of the Earth.
Planet 1: New Satellite
Communications
A new satellite system is known as Planet 1. It integrates cellular
and satellite technology to provide mobile voice, data, and facsimile communications.
"The package weighs less than six pounds and the price is $2,995,
plus a $3 a minute in use charges." (Miller, 134) By the end of the
year, it is expected that Planet 1 service will be offered to countries
all around the world.
The Notebook Computer:
The Latest in Satellite Gear
Now the business traveler can go anywhere on business without having
to worry whether they can make their business call. New technology has
put the out of touch traveler in touch with the world. Recent advances
in satellite technology have provided the use of compact cellular phones.
"Travelers can take along the latest in satellite gear, which is no
bigger than a notebook computer."(Miller,134)
Direct Broadcast: Satellite
TV
Direct Broadcast Satellite television is a very costly business. Wireless
cable technology brings pay TV to rural areas. This technology works by
beaming signals from a central tower to dishes on the roofs of houses or
buildings. The new technology is cheaper than laying wires under the ground.
Satellite Advances
in Television
Special satellites send pictures and messages from one continent to
another . Dish antennas are used to send and receive information. A television
show that is broadcasted live from one country can also be seen in another
country which is half way around the world. Communication services are
now using small antennas to send and receive the information.
Future Global Satellite
Network
AT&T Corp. has filed an application to build and launch a global
satellite network. This would allow computer users to bypass telephone
networks and connect directly to the internet by satellite. "AT&T
has used satellites in its international long distance network." (Ley,32)
This new technology would involve a network of satellites positioned around
the Earth.
Future Advances
for Satellite Technology
Additional satellites are scheduled for launch that will enable new
communication systems to be used around the world. Advances in the new
Satellite Technology have made people no more than a phone call away. Satellites
can send messages from one continent to another and also from one planet
to another. Satellite technology brings us the weather, cellular phones,
wireless cable, and direct broadcast television. Satellite communication
companies are expecting these services to be offered all over the world
in the very near future.
References Section
Grasso, Patricia. Earth and Space Science. Cleveland: Modern
Curriculum Press Inc.,1987.
Landler, Mark. "Thinking Wireless,John Kluge Builds His Next Empire
Out of Thin Air." New York Times. 5 Jan. 1997, Sec.3:1+.
Ley, Whilly. "Space Exploration." The Book of Popular
Science. New York: Grolier Incorporated,1988.
Miller, Thomas J. "Communications: Technology for Your Job."
Fortune Technology Winter 1997 : 128-134.