Satellite: Difference between revisions
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===Weight=== | ===Weight=== | ||
===Power=== | ===Power=== | ||
The most common means of providing electric power to satellites is a combination of [[photovoltaic]] cells and batteries. | |||
===Cooling=== | ===Cooling=== | ||
===Orbital drag and station-keeping=== | ===Orbital drag and station-keeping=== | ||
Revision as of 16:44, 15 May 2010
In the context of spaceflight, satellites are objects which have been placed into orbit by human endeavor. They are sometimes called artificial satellites to distinguish them from natural satellites such as the Moon. Depending on the application, they use different types of satellite orbits.
History
The first artificial satellite was Sputnik 1, launched by the Soviet Union on 4 October 1957. This triggered the Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States.
Applications
Engineering test
Scientific research
Multipurpose and manned
Communications
Weather
Intelligence
Imagery intelligence
Communications intelligence
Electronic intelligence
Measurement and signature intelligence
Engineering challenges
Weight
Power
The most common means of providing electric power to satellites is a combination of photovoltaic cells and batteries.