INTRODUCTION:
An Artificial Satellite is a people-made machine that orbits a variety of other objects in space. Many Artificial Satellites orbit the Earth to gather information about the universe, to predict the weather, to help with the navigation of ships and planes, to assist in telephone calls over the ocean, to observe the Earth, and as a tool to improve military activities. Though Artificial Satellites have mostly orbited Earth, some have orbited the moon, the sun, asteroids, Venus, Mars and Jupiter; these satellites mostly study the body around which they're orbiting. As a satellite is any object that orbits another, Artificial Satellites are people-made. Natural satellites include the moon around the Earth and the Earth around the Sun.
Functions of Artificial Satellites:
There are many different types of Artificial Satellites, each having a distinct job. Some Artificial Satellites help to predict the weather, while others gather information about our universe for NASA and other organizations. In addition, some Artificial Satellites help to connect people worldwide by assisting in telephone calls over the ocean; some Artificial Satellites help to navigate ships and planes. Furthermore, Artificial Satellites help to improve military activities, while others observe the Earth. The types of Artificial Satellites are commonly referred to as:
Astronomical satellites:
Satellites used to observe distant planets, galaxies, and other outer space objects.
Communications satellites:
Satellites used to assist in telecommunication. Most communications satellites use geosynchronous orbits (orbits having the same length of time needed to complete one orbit as Earth) or near-geostationary orbits (circular orbits above Earth's equator). These satellites are largely responsible for the transmission of television and radio signals.
Earth observation satellites:
Satellites made to observe Earth from its orbit for uses