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Satellites: Connecting our World

So many things about the NASA space program have become something to take for granted. In all reality, the NASA program is more than just launching shuttles into space or exploring exotic planets. Today, we depend on satellite views for many important technologies we use in our daily lives.

The fact that you're reading this article now means you're probably on the Internet. Since you're here, you might as well check the weather. If you want to go somewhere, it's no problem finding a traffic update. After you're done with all that, you can probably go watch some digital cable.

All these services are the benefits of man-made satellites. An artificial or man-made satellite is an object which has been placed into orbit by human endeavor. This would include satellites that provide services such as Internet access, phone services, cable, weather prediction and navigation. This is a far cry from the satellite's humble beginnings.

The Space Race

Triggering the "Space Race" between the Soviet Union and United States, the Soviet Union launched the first satellite, named Sputnik 1, in 1957. Sputnik 1's mission was atmospheric studies, and only lasted three months. The United States countered with Explorer 1 and a mission involving Earth sciences on February 1, 1958.

Today, non-military satellites consist of three categories:

Fixed Satellite Service: This is how you receive data transfer and video transmission for things like cable and the Internet. Signals are transmitted between fixed points on the Earth's surface.

Mobile Satellite Systems: Serving as navigation systems, these satellites facilitate communication from mobile points, such as ships, aircraft, remote regions and vehicles, to all parts of the world.

Scientific Research Satellite (commercial and noncommercial): These satellites are responsible for weather forecasting, land survey data and research on atmosphere, Earth science and marine science.

Analog Satellites vs. Digital Satellites

In order to capture a signal, a satellite finder detects the strongest signal available and points the satellite dish in the proper direction. Analog satellite finders are usually the least expensive and usually display just the strength of the signal.

Digital finders are more expensive and are pre-programmed with the locations of the most commonly used satellites. Digital finders can tell you the exact satellite you've linked to, while Analog finders can only tell you the strength of the signal.

Satellites and Better Communication

Though the technology of today provides so many services, it is easy to take it for granted. Without man-made satellites in our orbit, it would be impossible to predict the weather, link the planet via the Internet, or communicate to remote or hard-to-reach places. With the technology of satellite maps and satellite views, we have made our planet that much smaller, allowing widespread communication. With this information, the idea that we are all connected is reinforced. Hopefully someday it will foster better communication between countries.

Better communication means better understanding, and in light of that, the concept of world peace doesn't seem so far out of reach.

Resources

The Tech FAQ (n.d.). What Is A Satellite Finder. Retrieved March 16, 2008, from the Tech FAQ Web site.