Earth satellite

Table of Contents

Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images & Videos

What are different types of satellites?

International Space Station; Discovery

TIROS weather satellite

The satellite's solar panels are arrays of solar cells that provide the electrical energy needed for its functions, the power being stored in batteries. Its antennas may be 8 ft (2.5 m) in diameter and may transmit wide-area-of-coverage beams or narrowly focused “spot” beams.

Protecting satellites from space debris

Know how GPS satellites guide airplanes, cars, and even cell phones

Learn how solar flares can affect satellites, rockets, telecommunications systems and activity on the surface of the Earth

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Apollo 11 Lunar Module with its four landing-gear footpads deployed. This photograph was taken from the Command Module as the two spacecraft moved apart above the Moon.

5 Unforgettable Moments in the History of Spaceflight and Space Exploration

In Frankfurt, Germany, a driver uses a car GPS infotainment display system to guide them on a German autobahn. lanes; traffic; navigation; travel; map

How Does GPS Work?

Discover

Cathedrale St.Jean in Lyon, France has a 14th-century astronomical clock that shows religious feast days till the year 2019; Perpetual Calendar

Ten Days That Vanished: The Switch to the Gregorian Calendar

Law legal system crime concept with gavel and scales of justice with books in the background. (mallet, judicial system).

What Are the Differences Between First-, Second-, and Third-Degree Murder?

Baseball laying in the grass. Homepage blog 2010, arts and entertainment, history and society, sports and games athletics

10 Greatest Baseball Players of All Time

Aphrodite. Greek mythology. Sculpture. Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love and beauty.

12 Greek Gods and Goddesses

The Colosseum, Rome, Italy. Giant amphitheatre built in Rome under the Flavian emperors. (ancient architecture; architectural ruins)

New Seven Wonders of the World

David Cameron. President Barack Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom talk during the G8 Summit at the Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, June 17, 2013

What’s the Difference Between a President and a Prime Minister?

World Data Locator Map: Australia

Is Australia an Island?

Earth satellite: References & Edit History

More Articles On This Topic

Assorted References

major reference
- In Earth exploration
aerospace engineering
- In aerospace engineering: Aerospace engineering
- In aerospace industry: Spacecraft
atmospheric sciences
- In Earth sciences: Probes, satellites, and data transmission
Cold War
- In 20th-century international relations: Arms control and defense
communication systems
- In satellite communication
Earth measurement
- In geoid: The contribution of orbiting satellites
effects of space weather
- In space weather: Effects on satellites
historical development
- In satellite
history of flight
- In history of flight: Avionics, passenger support, and safety
military systems
- In intelligence: Types of intelligence
- In warning system: Aerial reconnaissance
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- In National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
orbital calculations
- In celestial mechanics: Examples of perturbations
photography
- In technology of photography: Satellite and space photography
satellite
- In satellite
solar cells
- In solar cell: Solar cell structure and operation
television broadcasting history
- In Television in the United States: Satellites

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type	Description	Contributor	Date
	Add new Web site: LiveScience - How many satellites orbit Earth?	Emily Rodriguez	Jul 07, 2023
	Add new Web site: Humanities LibreTexts - Earth Orbiting Satellites.	Gloria Lotha	Mar 14, 2023
	Add new Web site: Space.com - What is a Satellite?	Gloria Lotha	Nov 04, 2019
	Add new Web site: Hyperphysics - Early Earth Satellites.	Gloria Lotha	Nov 14, 2018
	Added photographs of Sputnik 1 and the International Space Station.	Erik Gregersen	Jan 12, 2018
	Article revised.	Erik Gregersen	Jan 12, 2018
	Add new Web site: ESA Kids - Technology - Satellite.	Thinley Kalsang Bhutia	Apr 05, 2017
	Add new Web site: NASA - What is a Satellite?	Thinley Kalsang Bhutia	Dec 09, 2016
	Added video.	Amy Tikkanen	Mar 20, 2015
	Add new Web site: How Stuff Works - Science - Artificial Satellite.	Grace Young	Mar 07, 2013
	Add new Web site: Buzzle.com - Satellite.	Gloria Lotha	Jan 27, 2013
	Add new Web site: National Geographic - History of Satellite.	Gloria Lotha	Jan 27, 2013
	Add new Web site: How Stuff Works - Science - Artificial Satellite.	Parul Jain	Jul 08, 2011
	Added image of replicas of synchronous communication satellites.	Richard Pallardy	Jul 23, 2009
	Added new Web site: The Canadian Encyclopedia - Artificial Satellite.	Deepti Mahajan	Sep 14, 2008
	Added new Web site: The Satellite Site.	Gloria Lotha	Sep 21, 2006
	Added new Web site: Space Available - Learning from Satellites.	Gloria Lotha	Sep 01, 2006
	Added new Web site: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Remote Sensing.	John Higgins	Jul 07, 2006
	Article added to new online database.	The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica	May 03, 1999