Satellites are man-made objects put into orbit around the Earth, and they have a variety of uses that affect our daily lives. Here are some of the most common uses of satellites:
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Communication: Satellites enable communication services on the ground, including two-way communications and one-way communications, from broadband to radio broadcasts. They provide in-flight phone communications on airplanes and are often the main conduit of voice communication for rural areas and areas where phone lines are damaged after a disaster.
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Navigation: Satellites provide precise time and location information to users on the ground, including civilians and the military, through positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites. GPS locators are increasingly included in in-car direction services and allow car-share services like Zipcar to locate their cars.
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Earth Observation and Imagery: Satellites can provide an image of the surface of the Earth, which is used in various ways, including weather, climate, and military applications. They monitor weather and climate, study erupting volcanoes, retreating glaciers, and other geological change, evaluate the health of rainforests, crops, and other plant life, and observe urban growth, greenhouse gas emissions, and other industrial activities.
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Television and Broadcasting: Satellites send television signals directly to homes, but they also are the backbone of cable and network TV. They are used for broadcasting, scientific research, and Earth observation.
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Scientific Research: Satellites are used for scientific research, including studying distant planets, galaxies, and other outer space objects. They gather information about Earths land, air, and water, and collect data from the solar system and universe.
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Military and Defense: Satellites are used for military and defense purposes, including reconnaissance, early warning, signals intelligence, and potentially, weapon delivery. They are valuable for government and military applications.
Satellites play an increasingly important role in our world, and they affect our daily lives in many ways. They provide us with modern conveniences, make us safer, and broadcast entertainment.
