Sattelitter: What They Are, How They Work & Why They Matter

Quick answer

A sattelitt (Norwegian spelling for “satellite”) is a man-made object placed into orbit around Earth or other celestial bodies. It serves various functions like communication, navigation, Earth observation, and scientific research. Most sattelitter use solar power, onboard thrusters, and transponders to operate in space efficiently.

What Are Sattelitter and Why Do They Matter?

Sattelitter, also known as artificial satellites, are human-made objects launched into orbit around planets or moons. They help us send messages, forecast weather, monitor environmental changes, and even explore other planets.

From GPS and internet to weather alerts and military surveillance, sattelitter are essential to modern life. They float high above us, yet they shape much of our daily experience—often invisibly.

In this guide, we explain how sattelitter work, their key components, types, uses, and growing environmental challenges.

Let’s look up—your space journey starts here.

Key Facts About Sattelitter

What Is a Sattelitt?

A sattelitt is any object that orbits a celestial body—usually Earth. Natural satellites like the Moon exist, but this post focuses on artificial sattelitter: objects we launch into space.

These satellites vary in size, mission, and altitude but all share a common goal: to collect, relay, or observe data from space.

How Sattelitter Work

Getting into Orbit

Sattelitter are launched by rockets. They must reach a specific orbital velocity to stay in motion around Earth. This keeps them from falling due to gravity.

Once in orbit, satellites may use chemical or ion thrusters to maintain or shift position.

Staying Functional

Most sattelitter are solar-powered, using solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. At night or in eclipse, they use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Satellites need to stay properly oriented. They use reaction wheels or magnetorquers to adjust their attitude (orientation in space).

Main Types of Sattelitter

1. Communication Satellites

• Relay phone, TV, and internet signals
• Most in geostationary orbit
• Examples: Intelsat, Starlink

2. Navigation Satellites

• Used for GPS, Galileo, GLONASS
• Work via time-stamped signals
• Accurate to within a few meters

3. Earth Observation Satellites

• Monitor weather, land use, climate, disasters
• Use sensors like radar, lidar, or cameras
• Often in Sun-synchronous orbit

4. Scientific & Space Telescopes

• Observe the universe without Earth’s interference
• Famous example: Hubble Space Telescope

5. Military/Spy Satellites

• Surveillance, early warning, communication security
• Usually classified missions

6. Experimental & Nanosatellites

• Often CubeSats launched by universities or startups
• Cost-effective, useful for short-term research

Key Components of a Sattelitt

• Power System: Solar panels and batteries
• Communication System: Transponders, antennas
• Propulsion: Thrusters for minor adjustments
• Thermal Control: Coatings and radiators to manage heat
• Onboard Computer: Controls satellite operations
• Payload: The working tools (e.g., cameras, sensors)

Sattelitter Orbits Explained

Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

• 200–2,000 km altitude
• Used for Earth observation, Starlink, and ISS
• Short orbital period (~90 minutes)

Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)

• 2,000–35,786 km
• Mainly for navigation satellites (GPS, GLONASS)

Geostationary Orbit (GEO)

• 35,786 km over the equator
• Appears fixed in the sky
• Ideal for TV and weather satellites

Polar & Sun-Synchronous Orbits

• Pass over Earth’s poles
• Provide consistent daylight for imaging

Historical Timeline of Sattelitter

• 1687: Newton theorizes orbital motion
• 1903: Tsiolkovsky proposes rocket launch
• 1957: USSR launches Sputnik 1
• 1960: TIROS-1 captures first space weather images
• 1965: France launches Astérix
• 2000s–Now: Rise of CubeSats & mega-constellations like Starlink

Environmental Impact of Sattelitter

Resource Use

• Built with rare metals like aluminium, lithium, and gallium
• Rocket stages often fall into oceans unrecovered

Launch Pollution

• Rockets release black carbon, CO2, and NOx into the upper atmosphere
• Potential to affect the ozone layer

Light & Radio Pollution

• Visible sattelitter can affect night-sky brightness
• Interfere with astronomy and wildlife

Space Debris

• Broken satellites create dangerous orbital junk
• Can lead to a chain reaction of collisions (Kessler syndrome)

Common Satellite Applications

Weather Forecasting

• Real-time storm tracking
• Climate trend analysis

Internet & Broadcasting

• Starlink, OneWeb, and others deliver global internet
• Satellite TV in remote regions

Global Positioning

• GPS on phones and vehicles
• Fleet tracking for logistics

National Security

• Military operations
• Missile detection and surveillance

Conclusion

Sattelitter connect our world, reveal our planet’s secrets, and explore distant galaxies. But with rising numbers comes greater responsibility—environmental, technical, and ethical.

Whether you’re navigating with GPS, streaming a movie, or checking the weather, sattelitter are silently at work.

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