Satellites are an incredibly useful invention that rank alongside the wheel in terms of usefulness. They possess the ability to facilitate long-distance communication and aid in closing business deals through video conferencing. In today’s world, the use of satellites is pervasive, with telephones being one of many examples. AT&T has utilized communication satellites since the late 1950s. Furthermore, television and radio industries have also embraced satellite technology. RCA and Sony have released satellite dishes for television and radio services respectively. Additionally, satellites have found utility in military applications. For instance, the ION cannon is a satellite weapon that can shoot a particle beam anywhere on the Earth and generate an earthquake. On top of that, satellites have the capacity for imaging enhancement, enabling detailed zooming from space to observe someone’s nose hairs.
Robert Gossard, born on October 5, 1882, was a significant inventor in the field of satellite technology. He obtained his Masters and Doctoral degrees in Physics from Clark University and focused his research on enhancing solid-propellant rockets. On March 16, 1926, Gossard achieved fame by successfully launching the world’s first liquid-propellant rocket. This rocket, powered by a combination of gasoline and liquid oxygen, traveled a distance of only 56m (184 ft) but demonstrated the concept’s viability. Unfortunately, Gossard passed away on August 10, 1945.
Working together, Gossard and Tsiolkovsky focused on both the theoretical and experimental aspects of satellite launching. Tsiolkovsky, a Russian theorist born on September 7, 1857, overcame challenges such as scarlet fever in his youth which resulted in an 80% hearing loss. Despite these obstacles, he self-educated and eventually became a math teacher at a High School in Kaluga, situated approximately 145km (90mi) south of Moscow. Through their partnership, they were able to validate that a rocket could indeed be utilized for satellite launch.
I selected the satellite as my research topic due to its widespread use in various technologies such as computers, TVs, and telephones. Understanding the functioning and historical development of satellites seemed crucial before their more extensive utilization. Additionally, the satellite significantly impacts my everyday life. For example, without it, the Internet or World Wide Web would function sluggishly or might not exist at all. Communication with people around the world would be hindered as telephone wires would need to traverse the Atlantic, resulting in terrible reception. Essential information like weather forecasts on Earth or knowledge about celestial bodies in space would remain unknown. Moreover, live television premiers across the nation rely on satellite transmission.
A satellite is an object that revolves around a planet or the sun in a closed orbit. However, an artificial satellite is specifically designed to revolve around the earth for purposes such as scientific research, earth applications, or Military Reconnaissance.
Artificial satellites have common features such as radar for altitude measurements, optical devices for observations, communication receivers and transmitters, and stable radio-signal sources for navigation. They generate power using solar cells that harness sunlight and use storage batteries when in Earth’s shadow. These batteries can be recharged by the solar cells.
Sputnik 1, launched by Russia on October 4, 1957, was the first ever satellite to go into space. Shortly after, Explorer 1 was launched by the United States on January 31st, 1958. By the end of 1986, over 3,500 satellites had been successfully launched.
A science physicist observed that although satellites transmit and receive numerous radio waves, their total energy would not match that of a snowflake hitting the ground.
The process of satellite deployment involves constructing and testing them on Earth, placing them in a rocket for transportation to space, and then releasing and positioning them in orbit.
The rocket would become space debris instead, resulting in a significant financial loss for the satellite owner. NASA’s development of a space shuttle allows for the simultaneous launch of multiple satellites and the shuttle’s reusability offers financial benefits. Additionally, the space shuttles have the capability to retrieve and repair or destroy satellites already in orbit. After release from the space shuttle, the satellite’s antenna will receive a signal from Earth to activate its rockets for orbital movement. Subsequently, the antenna will receive another signal instructing the satellite to deploy its solar panels (bottom).
Then, the control center on Earth will transmit a program to the satellite instructing it to utilize its sensors for the purpose of sustaining a natural orbit around Earth. Subsequently, the satellite will designate a specific location on Earth and remain positioned above that point for the duration of its existence. At the time of shutdown, the program that was uploaded to the satellite will command it to retract its solar panels and continue following its established orbit.
After the shutdown, a space shuttle will be sent to retrieve the satellite. The purpose of this mission is either to repair it or replace its cells with new ones within a few days.
The satellite is an incredibly advanced technological device with endless possibilities. It is estimated that by 2000, there will be around 7,000 satellites orbiting the Earth, which means there will be one satellite for every 36,000 people.
Using satellites while they orbit the earth is a wise decision due to the increasing value of technology. The Internet is prioritized by computers, video communication is popularized by telephones, and improved cable services are required for TVs.
The subject of science is being discussed.
