SATELLITES TECHNOLOGY

This entry depends heavily on the Sci-Tech Library Newsletter 1/31/03 by Stephanie Bianchi [sbianchi@nsf.gov]. She in turn has apparently depended on the Scout Report.

Over 2,000 man-made satellites are currently orbiting the Earth, providing a wide range of services like communications, remote sensing, and global positioning. As more are launched and new technologies are developed, they will play an increasingly important role in life in the rich countries.

Satellites offer great potential in developing nations, and indeed satellite technology is for some the bellwether of knowledge for development. Remote sensing has contributed enormously to our knowledge and understanding of environmental systems and problems. Satellite communications is a major factor in the redefinition of distance (as difficulty in communication rather than geographic space) which is driving globalization.

So here are some satellite technology resources:

NASA Fundamentals
One of the most interesting features on this NASA site is the Live 3D Java Tracking Display, which shows hundreds of different satellites and their current position in orbit. A few selected news articles and a separate section on satellite applications are also provided.
http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/toc.asp?s=Fundamentals
http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/toc.asp?s=Tracking

Satellite 2002 Europe
At a conference held in December 2002 (5), representatives from the satellite industry convened to discuss current developments. Many of the articles address industry outlooks; some are more technology- oriented. For instance, one considers a new navigation system that could improve overall coverage and signal availability.
http://www.telecomweb.com/reports/satellite2002-europe/index.html

Solar Power Satellites - European Approach [.pdf]
The European Space Agency provides a look at solar power satellites, which could essentially "beam" energy to Earth. While it is not a new concept, the sheer magnitude of a project to construct a solar power satellite has thus far been too great to justify an attempt.
http://www.esa.int/gsp/ACT/SPS_European_approach_Kobe.pdf

BBC News: Satellite Technology Aids Quake Research
Satellites of the Global Positioning System are being used for more than they were originally intended in England. This news article describes how they are used to study earthquakes and corresponding movements in the Earth's crust.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/2425545.stm

Some basic information on satellite technology is provided at the following sites:

The Satellite Site
The Tech Museum offers this site dedicated to the basics of satellites and their functions.
http://www.thetech.org/exhibits/online/satellite/home.html

How Satellites Work
More information specific to satellite launches and their orbits can be found here (2). Most of the material is composed of fun experiments that demonstrate satellite operation.
http://octopus.gma.org/surfing/satellites/