When we talk about natural satellites, we refer to celestial bodies that are in orbit around another larger celestial body. However, when we refer to artificial satellites We're talking about any non-natural object orbiting a celestial body. These objects usually have a specific purpose, such as better understanding the universe. They emerge from human technology and are used to obtain information about the celestial body they study. Most artificial satellites are orbiting planet Earth. They play a significant role in the development of human technology, and today we couldn't live without them.
Therefore, we are going to dedicate this article to telling you everything you need to know about the artificial satellites and their characteristics, uses and types.
Key features
Unlike what happens with natural satellites such as the moon, artificial satellites are man-made. These orbit an object larger than themselves, attracted by the force of gravity. They are usually highly sophisticated machines with revolutionary technology. They are sent into space to obtain a wealth of information about our planet. We can say that debris or remains from other machines, spacecraft manned by astronauts, orbital stations, and interplanetary probes are not considered artificial satellites.
Among the main characteristics that we find with these objects is that they are launched by means of rockets. The Rockets They are nothing more than any vehicle, such as a missile, spacecraft, or aircraft, that propels the satellite upwards. They are programmed to follow a predetermined route. They have a primary function or task to perform, such as cloud observation, for example. Most artificial satellites that orbit our planet remain around it rotating continuously. On the other hand, we have satellites that are sent to other planets or celestial bodies that must be followed in order to obtain information and monitoring.
Uses of artificial satellites
There are several basic types of artificial satellites that orbit the Earth: geostationary satellites and polar satellites. These are the main ones according to their uses. If we want to make a map and obtain specific information about the Earth or other planets, these satellites are used. For example, the global positioning system known as GPS It is obtained thanks to a network of artificial satellites that orbit the planet Earth. This group of satellites determine the location and position of an object on the planet through telecommunications systems. These systems also include television and cell phones.
Among the uses we find of artificial satellites are scientific and applied objectives. Some examples of scientific uses are the study of outer space, solar radiation, planets, etc. Other examples of applied uses is meteorological observation, military espionage, remote sensing and telecommunications, among others.
It's important to keep in mind that the distances between geostationary and polar satellites vary. Some are at distances of 240 kilometers, while others are up to 36.200 kilometers. Each type of satellite will have advantages and disadvantages depending on its use. Most satellites orbiting the Earth remain within a range of 800 kilometers and travel at speeds of around 27,400 kilometers per hour. The rapid speed at which they move is necessary so that gravity does not pull them back down.
These artificial satellites consist of two basic parts: the antenna and the power source. The antenna is responsible for sending and receiving the information. The power source can be either batteries or solar panels. These are necessary for the machine to continue operating.
Types of artificial satellites
As we mentioned before, there are two basic types of satellites that orbit the Earth. They are as follows:
- Geostationary: They are those that move in an east-west direction above the Equator. They follow the direction and speed of the Earth's rotation.
- Polar: They are so called because they travel from one pole to another in a north-south direction.
Within these two basic types we have some types of satellites that are responsible for observing and detecting the characteristics of the atmosphere, oceans and land masses. They are considered by the name of environmental satellites. They can be divided into some types like are geosynchronous and heliosynchronous. The first are those that orbit the planet at the same speed as the Earth's rotation. The seconds are those that pass each day at the same time on a certain point on the planet. Most of the satellites that are used in telecommunications for weather forecasting are geosynchronous.
Space debris and impacts
We cannot deny that artificial satellites have improved human life by far. However, a satellite can disintegrate in the atmosphere when it returns. After ending its useful life or having collected all the necessary data, you have several options. It can return and disintegrate into the atmosphere or It can become space junk as it remains orbiting a celestial body without any use. In the case where a satellite is at low altitude, it usually disintegrates upon entering the atmosphere in different portions.
The sheer number of artificial satellites orbiting the planet without any use is significant. This group of satellites is therefore referred to as space debris. Artificial satellites that are successfully launched into orbit are essential for life in society. This has a positive impact on humankind. Thanks to this, we can explore other planets, detect meteorites, observe life on Earth, and obtain information about the climatic variables of a specific point on the planet.
From an economic and communication point of view, they are also used to receive television, radio, internet and telephone signals. Today we could not live without them.