Satellite Transmission
A satellite is any object that revolves around a planet in a circular or elliptical path. The moon is Earth's natural satellite at 240,000 miles distant. Other satellites that fulfil this definition are man made and have been launched into orbit to carry out specific functions. These satellites are typically between 100 and 24,000 miles away.
Satellites have many purposes including data communications, scientific applications and weather analysis.
Satellite transmission requires an unobstructed line of sight. The line of site will be between the orbiting satellite and a station on Earth. Satellite signals must travel in straight lines but do not have the limitations of ground based wireless transmission, such as the curvature of the Earth.
Microwave signals from a satellite can be transmitted to any place on Earth which means that high quality communications can be made available to remote areas of the world without requiring the massive investment in ground-based equipment.
Click on this link to see how objects like satellites orbit the Earth. Click on the second graphic button 'shoot cannon'.
Next: Satellite Orbits
