- Communication satellites
Communication satellites (the type that CBC uses), are used to relay radio waves and television signals. The signals they send out are able to span the world. They are usually launched so that their orbit is above the equator in order to travel at the same speed as the earth. This ensures that they are always located at the same place in the sky. If this were not the case, it would be very difficult to locate the satellite when broadcasting and satellite dishes would have to be constantly moving in order to receive signals.
- Scientific Research Satellites
Satellites that are used for scientific research are placed primarily for the observation of space or to study neighbouring stars and planets and of course, for the studies of earth itself.
- Navigation Satellites
Navigation satellites (or GPS for Global Positioning System) pinpoint locations on the earth using mathematical calculations and radio waves.
- Reconnaissance/Millitary Satellites
Reconnaissance and military satellites are used for photo surveillance, electronic intelligence, nuclear explosion detection and strategic missile launch detection. Most of these satellites are used primarily by the USA and the former Soviet Union.
- Weather Satellites
Weather Satellites photograph the earth daily. These pictures provide information on regions of the earth where no local weather services exist such as oceans and polar regions. They can help meteorologists anticipate different types of weather from tropical storms to frost.
A satellite is a body which rotates around a another, usually larger, body. For example, the moon is a satellite of the earth and the earth is a satellite of the sun. Not all satellites are natural. When we launch an object into orbit it becomes a man-made satellite. There are many different types of satellites from communication satellites to weather satellites but all have a few basic features: radar for altitude measurements, receivers, transmitters, and solar cells for power.
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If you would like to find out about the First CBC Satellite
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If you would like to find out some info on the First Satellite
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