Multymeter.com-Technology: The word Satellite is not unfamiliar to our ears, but to know its function in general may be rarely known by many people. Satellites are celestial bodies that orbit other larger celestial bodies. In this world there are two main types of satellites; Natural satellites, and Artificial satellites.
- Natural Satellites
Natural satellites that are formed naturally, created by God, for example the Moon which is Earth’s satellite.
- Artificial satellites launched into space. Humans create artificial satellites to function as Communication, Navigation, Remote Sensing, and for military purposes, such as: communication, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Why can satellites orbit?
Satellites can orbit because of the balance between the gravitational force of a larger object (for example Earth) and the speed of the satellite. The force of gravity pulls the satellite down, while the speed of the satellite keeps it moving forward. When these two forces are balanced, the satellite will continue to move in orbit.
What are the benefits of satellites for everyday life?
○ Communication: Allows us to connect with people all over the world instantly.
○ Information: Provides real-time weather, news, and other data.
Navigation: Helps us find locations and directions.
○ Earth Monitoring: Helps us monitor climate change, natural disasters, and environmental conditions.
How satellites work for smartphones and the internet:
Satellites are like giant cellular towers orbiting the Earth. How satellites work for smartphone needs starts with the following system:
Signals Sent and Received:
• Smartphone: When you want to access the internet or make a call, your smartphone will send a radio signal upwards to the satellite.
• Satellite: The satellite that receives the signal will forward it to another satellite or directly to the earth station. This earth station is connected to the global internet network.
• Reply: After the data you requested is processed, the reply will be sent back via the same path, from the earth station to the satellite, then to your smartphone.
Wide Network:
• Global Coverage: Satellites orbit the Earth at a very high altitude, so their coverage is much wider than ordinary cell towers. This allows you to connect to the internet even in remote areas.
• Unobstructed: Satellite signals can penetrate obstacles such as mountains, forests, or the sea, so you can stay online even when traveling far or in locations where cellular networks are difficult to reach.
Satellite Types:
• Geostationary Satellites: These satellites orbit the Earth at the same speed as the Earth rotates, so they appear to always be in the same spot in the sky.
• Low Orbit (LEO) Satellites: LEO satellites orbit the Earth at a lower altitude than geostationary satellites. LEO satellite constellations (many LEO satellites working together) offer lower latency, making internet connections feel faster.
Benefits of Satellites for Smartphones and the Internet:
• Wide Internet Access: Provides internet access to areas where cellular networks are difficult to reach.
• Global Connectivity: Enables seamless communication between continents.
• Navigation: Used by GPS to determine location.
• TV Broadcast: Distributes television broadcast signals around the world.
Equipment Needed:
• Smartphone: Some modern smartphones come with satellite connectivity.
• Antenna: A special antenna is required to receive satellite signals. This can be a small satellite dish or an antenna integrated into another device.
Challenges:
○ Cost: Satellite internet service is generally more expensive than land-based internet service.
○ Latency: Latency can be higher than fiber-optic internet connections.
○ Weather: Bad weather conditions such as heavy rain or snowstorms can interfere with satellite signals.
Conclusion:
Satellites play a vital role in providing internet access around the world. The technology continues to evolve, offering better speeds and quality. Despite some challenges, satellites remain a very useful solution, especially for areas where cellular networks are difficult to reach.***
