Artificial satellites
Types of Satellites
Astronomical satellites are satellites used for observation of distant planets, galaxies, and other outer space objects.
Communications satellites are artificial satellites stationed in space for the purposes of telecommunications using radio at microwave frequencies, laser beams, or subspace relays. Most communications satellites use geosynchronous orbits or near-geostationary orbits, although some recent systems use low orbiting satellites.
Observation satellites are satellites specifically designed to observe a planet from orbit, similar to reconnaissance satellites but intended for non-military uses such as environmental monitoring, meteorology, map making etc.
Navigation satellites are satellites which use radio time signals transmitted to enable mobile receivers on the ground to determine their exact location. The relatively clear line of sight between the satellites and receivers on the ground, combined with ever-improving electronics, allows satellite navigation systems to measure location to accuracies on the order of a few metres in real time.
Killer Satellites are satellites designed to destroy enemy satellites, other orbital weapons and targets. Some are armed with kinetic rounds, while others use energy and/or particle weapons to destroy targets.
Reconnaissance satellites are an observation satellite or communications satellite deployed for military or intelligence applications. Little is known about the full power of these satellites, as governments who operate them usually keep information pertaining to their reconnaissance satellites classified.
Solar power satellites are satellites built in high orbit that use microwave power transmission to beam solar power to a very large antenna on the planetary surface where it can be used in place of conventional power sources.
Space stations are structures that are designed for beings to live on in outer space. A space station is distinguished from other manned spacecraft by its lack of major propulsion or landing facilities — instead, other vehicles are used as transport to and from the station.
Weather satellites are satellites that primarily are used to monitor the weather and/or climate of the planet.
Miniaturized satellites are satellites of unusually low weights and small sizes. See Satellite Size Classification.
Biosatellites are satellites designed to carry living organisms, generally for scientific experimentation.
Satellite Size Classification
- Less than 100 grams: Femtosatellite
- 0.1 - 1 kilograms: Picosatellite
- 1 - 10 kilograms: Nanosatellite
- 10 - 100 kilograms: Microsatellite
- 100 - 500 kilograms: Minisatellite
- 500 - 1000 kilograms: Medium sized Satellite
- More than 1000 kilograms: Large Satellite
Medium and Large satellites are the most common, but smaller types are often employed especially in military operations.
