What is a satellite A satellite is a small object that orbits around the Earth or an object in the solar system. Satellites can be natural or artificial (made by people). Every planet has a natural satellite except Mercury and Venus.

When was the satellite invented The first artificial satellite was Sputnik 1. It was the size of a basketball. It weighed 183 lbs. and took 98 minutes to orbit around the Earth. The Soviet Union launched it into orbit in 1957.

How do satellites work Satellites send signals to satellite dishes where they collect the information and send it to your home. Satellites must have a continuous source of electrical power. The two most usual power sources at high performance are batteries and solar cells. They convert solar energy into electricity and send it to satellites.

How satellites work Deep space satellites are powered by thermoelectric generators that change heat from radio active material into electricity.

Facts about satellites Many satellites have onboard computers that not only receive, store, and transmit information but also control the satellites operation and orbit. Militaries use satellites for spying.

The inventor Robert Goddard and Konstantin Tsiolkovsky are the official inventors of the satellite. Many people improved the process of the invention through the years.

Types of satellites Scientific satellites collect information about space. Communication satellites is our connection to our phone calls, computer information and much more. Aircraft and vehicles have special equipment connected to satellites to help them find there way from place to place.

Thanks for reading about satellites.