A satellite is an object that moves around a larger object. Earth is a satellite because it moves around the sun. The moon is a satellite because it moves around Earth. Earth and the moon are called "natural" satellites.
There are thousands of man-made satellites. Man-made satellites are machines made by people. These machines are launched into space and orbit Earth or another body in space.
Importance:
Satellites fly high in the sky, so they can see large areas of Earth at one time. Satellites also have a clear view of space. That's because they fly above Earth's clouds and air.
Before satellites, TV signals didn't go very far. TV signals only travel in straight lines. Phone calls to faraway places were also a problem. It costs a lot.With satellites, TV signals and phone calls can be sent up to a satellite. The satellite can then send them back down to different spots on Earth.
Parts of a Satellite:
There are two parts-an antenna and a power source. The antenna is used to send and receive information. The power source can be a solar panel or battery. Solar panels make power by turning sunlight into electricity.
First Satellites in Space:
The Soviet Union was the first to launch a satellite into space and was called Sputnik 1.NASA has launched many satellites into space. The first was Explorer 1.The first satellite picture of Earth came from NASA's Explorer 6.
NASA satellites help scientists study all kinds of things.Satellites provide information about Earth's clouds, oceans, land and air. They also can observe wildfires, volcanoes and smoke.Satellites also tell us a lot about space.
