10 Functions Of Man-Made Satellites Orbiting In Space

Satellite illustration (Unsplash)

YOGYAKARTA – Did you know that apart from natural satellites, the earth has artificial satellites created and launched by humans? This type of satellite is used for various purposes related to human daily life. Then what are the functions of artificial satellites that circle the earth?

Functions of Man-Made Satellites

Artificial satellites are tools made by humans and have their own orbital path. Like natural satellites, artificial satellite engines are in outer space and around the earth.

According to data from the Union of Concerned Scientists, there are 2,666 artificial satellites circling the earth as of March 2020. Most of these satellites are built and launched by the United States. Not only America, but several countries have also launched their artificial satellites such as China, Russia, and even Indonesia. Then what are the functions of these artificial satellites for human life?

1. Study

Man-made satellites are launched for research purposes either directly related to the earth or related to the space system. For example, satellites are used to take photos of the earth from outside, such as the Danuri satellite belonging to South Korea, which has successfully sent black-and-white pictures of the moon and the earth.

2. Navigation

Satellites also function for navigational purposes. For example, to determine the direction of the aircraft or to monitor the position of the aircraft. Satellites are also the most important component in GPS technology which functions to show our position on digital maps.

3. Communication

Satellites also function as a means of communication. Television or the internet requires a satellite to be connected to the network. Satellites will help forward communication signals from one region to another on earth. This signal also applies to communications and other means of broadcasting.

4. Natural Resource Mapping

Satellites also have a function to help humans map the distribution of natural resources stored in the bowels of the earth. This function is much needed for mining purposes so that the results can be used by humans for everyday life.

5. Military

The military needs satellites as a form of defense. For example, a country uses satellites for monitoring enemy territory. Satellites can also be used to send data and information regarding enemies that are monitored in the air.

6. Weather Forecasting

Satellites also help humans to predict the weather in an area. For example, monitoring clouds from outside the earth that have the potential to bring rain in an area. Weather predictions are made in real-time so the accuracy is higher.

7. Monitoring Forest Fires

Sometimes forest fires are not detected by humans because the hotspots are inland. With the satellite, the hotspots that appear in the depths of the forest can be detected easily.

8. Pollution Level Monitoring

Air pollution is an issue that is often raised by various countries. To monitor air pollution levels, a satellite is needed to monitor the clarity of the sky in an area.

9. As a Laboratory

Satellites are also needed as space laboratories. For example, NASA wants to research the planet Mars by sending their astronauts. Research can be carried out on artificial satellites that have already orbited outside the earth. One country that has a space laboratory is Russia. In addition, there is the International Space Station (ISS) which is often used for research purposes.

10. Exploration

The vastness of the solar system makes a number of countries ambitious to carry out large-scale exploration. This activity is carried out with the help of satellites either directly or indirectly.

That's information about the function of artificial satellites. To get other interesting information, visit VOI.ID.