- Types of Satellites
Satellites fall into five principal types - research satellites, communication satellites, weather satellites, navigational satellites, and application satellites. Communication satellites provide a worldwide linkup of radio, telephone, and television. The first communication satellite was Echo 1, launched in 1960. Relay 1 and telstar 1 were the first active communications satellites. They were launched in 1962. Telstar 1 transmitted first live television broadcast across the Atlantic. - Navigation Satellites
Navigational satellites were one of the early applications of artificial earth satellites. Very early in the space age, researchers realized that satellites could be put on orbits to permit ships, aircraft, or other vehicles to exactly determine their locations. Global positioning systems (GPS) make of navigation satellites. The GPS constellation system was first established by the US military to support of their forces. But it is now in widespread in public and commercial applications. - Polar Satellites
Geostationary satellites are generally placed at an altitude of about 36,000 km. But polar satellites are generally positioned at an altitude of about 850 km, so that they circle the earth every 100 minutes or so. - Satellite Radio
Whether driving to work or cruising through the countryside, people don’t flip radio channels anymore. Satellite radio provides uninterrupted services to millions of listeners around the world. As the name suggests, satellite radio uses the technology of satellites to deliver audio signals. Satellite radio signals are broadcast in digital form, which a quality of reception that matches that of audio CDs. - Satellite TV
The lure of movies, sporting events and news from around the world has made television viewers turn to satellite television. Compact satellite dishes perched on rooftops are a common sight all over the United States. Satellite TV services are especially popular in rural areas with poor broadcast reception or no cable service.
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