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Nine different types of satellite

1. Astronomy satellite
2. Atmospheric studies satellite
3. Communications satellite
4. Satellites for navigation
5. Reconnaissance satellite
6. Remote sensing
7. Search and rescue satellites
8. Space explorations satellites
9. Weather satellite
The first satellite launched by Canada, was also the worlds first atmospheric
studies satellite
- Aloutte
A more recent example of a satellite studying the atmosphere
- NASAs Polar satellite
Apparent change of radio frequency as something that emits a signal in the
form of waves passes by
- Doppler effect
Most navigation systems use time and distance to determine:
- Location
Science recognized the principle that, given the velocity and the time
required for a radio signal to be transmitted between two points, the:
- Distance between the two points can be computed
Reconnaissance satellites are used to:
- Spy on other countries
Four types of reconnaissance satellites
- Optical-imaging satellites
- Radar-imaging satellites
- Signals-intelligence or ferret satellites
- Relay satellites
Search and rescue satellites are designed to:
- Provide a way for vessels at sea and in the air to communicate from
remote areas
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Satellites equipped with search and rescue equipment fly over a beacon that is releasing an
emergency signal. Using mathematical calculations involving the doppler effect, scientists can
translate that signal into coordinates, and determine the location of the distress signal within four
kilometers.
The newest search and rescue system is the:
Cospas-Sarsat System by Soviet Union
Space exploration satellite are not really satellites at all; they are properly known as:
Space probes
Space exploration satellites are responsible for many of:
Astronomys most important achievements (e.g. Jupiters rings)
SE sat. must be built to last
Because it takes so long for the satellites to reach their destinations
SE vs Astronomy satellites
SE, because they do not operate from Earth orbit
Are actually sent out into deep space on their own(e.g. NASAs Galileo)
Whom who relies on weather satellites for many things, such as images from satellites
Meteorologist
Two basic types of weather satellites
Geostationary orbit
Polar orbit

16. Orbit the earth in the same amount of time it takes earth to revolve once, also measure in real time
Geostationary satellite
17. Type of satellite orbits in a path that closely follows the earths meridians lines
Polar orbiting
18. Provide detailed information about violent storms and cloud systems
Polar satellites
19. Communication satellite
Provides essentially a very high capacity
Receive a signal from a transmitting station (vise versa) also
as relay points between other satellites or manned spacecraft (microwave relay)
receives microwave signals----given frequency band & retransmit them at a different freq.
Communication satellites have been perceived as:

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A means to reach isolated places

An alternative to sub-oceanic cables
Long-distance domestic telephone & television links
A data facility capable of interlinking computer terminals everywhere
A new form of broadcasting
A multiple-access facility capable of carrying all types of signals on a demand
The receiver, transmitter and antenna used on the ground are referred to as an:
Earth station
Device in satellite----receives a signal, amplifies it, changes its freq & retransmit it
Transponder
Such handled by a transponder has differed from one satellite design to another
Bandwidth
Is the signal path from transmitter to satellite
Uplink
Is the corresponding path from satellite to earth-based receiver
Downlink
At various angles and altitudes (height), satellites are placed in:
Orbits around the earth
A satellite position is measured by its
Elevation angle (with respect to the horizon)
Azimuth angle measured clockwise (from the direction of true north)
Is the earth area that the satellite can receive from or transmit to
Footprint of satellite
The function of both the satellite
Orbit & height and the type of antenna the satellite uses
It is not always useful to have a satellite with a broad footprint for its:
Uplink & downlink antennas
Means that more interfering signals will be picked up at the satellite uplink receiver while the desired signal
strength is lower, also the transmitter downlink antenna will broadcast to areas besides the intended earth
station of the downlink & so wastefully spread out its limited power
Wider beamwidth
Sat comm. Usually use freq in the
1GHz and higher range for the following reasons:
a. Great deal of available bandwith---so large amount of information can be sent
b. Propagation characteristics ----- freq are very consistent
Undisturb by geographical features
Noise levels are lower than at lower frequencies
c. Wavelengths are shorter
Amateur radio signals some special purpose satellites, operate in several-hundredMHz range, much less common for commercial applications because of limited
distance
Frequency bands

Band Designation
L
S
C
X
Ku
K
Ka
V
W
Millimeter (mm)

Nominal Freq. Range (GHz)

12
24
48
8 12
12 18
18 27
27 40
40 75
75 110
100 300