CLASS 6 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

Satellites and space probes – basic principles

How it works

A satellite is an object that orbits a celestial body. This can be a natural satellite, like the Moon, or an artificial satellite, that is, a spacecraft built by humans. Artificial satellites are launched with rockets and remain in orbit due to their speed and gravity. They can be used, for example, for communication, navigation, Earth observation, or research. Space probes are unmanned spacecraft for exploring outer space. They can fly past celestial bodies, land on them, or orbit them. When a space probe orbits a planet or moon, it is at the same time an artificial satellite there. There are geostationary satellites, which, as seen from Earth, always seem to stay above the same point, and polar satellites, which fly over the poles.

Note
Satellite means: An object orbits a celestial body; artificial satellites are built by humans. Space probes are unmanned research spacecraft. They can fly past, land, or, as orbiters, become satellites of another celestial body themselves.

An example

What distinguishes an artificial satellite from a space probe?

An artificial satellite is described mainly by its orbit around a celestial body. A space probe is described mainly by its research purpose. Therefore, a space probe can fly to another planet and later even orbit it as a satellite.

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50 Exercises

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Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Astronomy. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.