Artificial Satellites Chapter 2.3

Satellites Satellites a. a.Any object in orbit around another body with a larger mass.

Artificial Satellites Artificial Satellites VS Natural Satellites a. a.An artificial satellite is a man-made object place in orbit or space. b. b.A natural satellite is a nature-made object in orbit around a larger mass such as a star or planet. i. i. A moon is a natural satellite.

Artificial Satellites c. c.Many types of satellites orbit the earth. Some of those types are: i. i. Meteorological ii. ii. Communications iii. iii. Navigation iv. iv. Scientific

Satellites and Orbits Satellites and Orbits a. a.An object thrown on earth, and not slowed down by air resistance but affected by gravity, would continue to follow the curve of the earth instead of falling to earth’s surface. b. b.This ball would be considered an artificial satellite.

Satellites and Orbits c. c.Satellites are put in earth’s orbit and space by attaching rockets to them and shooting them to the appropriate altitude. i. i. Once the satellite is at the appropriate altitude the rockets detach and the satellite is held in orbit by earth’s gravity. ii. ii. The greater the altitude above earth’s surface the less air resistance and earth’s force of gravity there is affecting objects. This allows the speed of the satellite to slower than lower orbiting satellites.

Geosynchronous vs. Polar d. d.Geosynchronous Orbit i. i. A satellite in geosynchronous orbit always remains at the same point above the earth’s equator and appears to be stationary in the sky. e. e.Polar Orbit i. i. A polar orbit carries the satellites over earth’s north and south poles. ii. ii. These satellites pass over different parts of the earth’s surface during each revolution.

Elliptical Orbits a. a.Elliptical Orbits i. i. Most satellites follow elliptical orbits. (Oval shape) ii. ii. When a satellite follows an elliptical orbit its distance from earth varies. iii. iii. When a satellite is closest to earth during its orbit it is called perigee.

Elliptical Orbits iv. iv. When a satellite is furthest from earth during its orbit it is called apogee. v. v. When satellites come to close to earth’s surface during apogee they are greatly affected by earth’s atmospheric air resistance and are slowed down. After many passes the satellite’s orbit can be greatly slowed down and altitude decreased. This can cause the satellite to burn up or fall to earth.

Satellite Exploration a. a.Satellite Exploration of Earth i. i. The Landsat satellites are a set of satellites used to explore the features of earth These satellites can detect features such as cities, vegetation regions, rock types, etc...

Satellite Exploration ii. ii. The Global Positioning System, or GPS, is a network of satellites used for accurate navigation of ships, aircraft, or personal navigation These satellites can detect accurately detect an objects location on earth. iii. iii. Space shuttles are temporary satellites that are designed to carry cargo, orbit the earth, and return to earth.

The End! Test Friday!