8 Interesting Satellite Facts

Let me inform you with different kinds of orbital paths, types of satellites and travel speed of satellite in Satellite Facts. This artificial object is used to give the information of different area of earth. It will be sent to the orbit of the space. Since this satellite is artificial or manmade, it is totally different from the natural satellite such as moon. To reach the orbit, the artificial satellite will be launched using rockets. Here are more interesting facts about satellite for you:

Satellite Facts 1: the first artificial satellite in the world

Sputnik 1 takes the record as the first artificial satellite in the world. It was launched by Soviet Union in October 1957 to the earth’s orbit. Get facts about rocket here.

Satellite Facts 2: space race

The launching of the first satellite by Soviet Union to the space marks the space competition between United States and Soviet Union for many years. Another satellite of Soviet Union was launched in November 1957. It was called Sputnik 2.  This artificial satellite took a dog named Laika on the orbit.

Satellite

Satellite Facts 3: Explorer 1

Explorer 1 was launched in January 1958 by United States. It was launched three months after the Soviet Union launched their satellite. Find out another technology in internet facts.

Satellite Facts 4: the number of satellite

There are more than 6,500 satellites launched to the earth’s orbit since the first successful launch of Soviet Union’s satellite in 1957. That’s based on the data in October 2010.  The number of satellite remain on the orbit are around 3,600 satellites. But only 1,000 of them are in operation.  The other satellite now are included as space debris.

Satellite Pictures

Satellite Facts 5: the largest one

Do you know the largest artificial satellite today? This record is taken by ISS or International Space Station.

Satellite Facts 6: the groups of satellites

Satellite are separated in three groups. Those are the mobile satellite system, fixed satellite services, and scientific research satellite. The latter one is used to hold on the research functions, land survey images and meteorological data. The navigation is handled by mobile satellite system. The billions of video, data and voice transmission are handled by fixed satellite.

Satellite Pic

Satellite Facts 7: A geostationary satellite

The orbit of a geostationary satellite begins from the west to the east. The satellite does not seem moving because it has the similar spinning direction with earth.

Satellite Facts 8: Polar-orbiting satellites

The satellite which orbits the earth from pole to pole providing the image of earth strip by strip is called polar-orbiting satellites.

Satellite Image

Satellite Facts

The risk of collision of satellites is higher because of many satellites are launched on the orbit. In 2009, one Russia and one American satellite bumped. Are you interested reading facts about satellite?