An Introduction To Satellites

The television we watch at home, the weather updates we receive, the knowledge we acquire of other planets in the universe, are all possible due to satellites. Artificial satellites are man-made objects that orbit the Earth. These satellites are launched for specific purposes. A satellite is lifted from the earth's surface satellite tv a rocket and, once placed in orbit, maintains its motion without further rocket propulsion. The first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, was launched on satellite tv 4, 1957, by the USSR, which triggered the space race between the Soviet Union and the U.S. The first U.S. satellite, Explorer I, was launched on Jan. 31, 1958. During the first decade of space exploration, satellites were launched from either the United States or USSR. Today, there are more than three dozen launch sites in use or under construction in more than a dozen countries.

Communications satellites are stationed in space to provide a worldwide linkup of radio, telephone and television. Echo 1 was the first communications satellite to be launched in 1960. It was a large metal balloon that reflected radio signals striking it. The first commercial geosynchronous satellite, Intelsat 1 was launched in 1965.

There are very many different types of satellites and each one serves a different purpose. Earth observation satellites are specifically designed to observe the Earth. They are used for environmental monitoring, meteorology and map making. Astronomical satellites are used for observing distant planets, galaxies and other space objects. Navigation satellites were developed primarily to satisfy the need for a navigation system for nuclear submarines. Today they use radio time signals transmitted to enable mobile receivers on the ground to determine their exact location. Reconnaissance satellites are either observation or communication satellites deployed for military intelligence applications.

Weather satellites are used to monitor the weather and climate of the Earth.. They provide continuous, up-to-date information about large-scale atmospheric conditions such as cloud cover and temperature profiles. Tiros 1, was the first weather satellite that was launched in 1960.

Not so long ago, satellites were exclusive, top-secret devices. Today, they are an essential part of our daily lives.

Satellites provides detailed information on Satellite Tv, Satellite, Satellite Dish, Satellite Radio and more. Satellites is affiliated with Satellite Tv System.

Misconceptions About Satellite Internet

Not much is known about satellite Internet, even in this late day and age. Yes, by now satellite television has been ingratiated into the public consciousness. Almost everyone has heard about DirecTV or Dish Network, and how satellite TV trumps cable services. However, satellite Internet is still a new concept. Essentially, this technology is the satellite tv that we see in satellite TV: a satellite in geostationary orbit communicates with a mini dish. The mini dish connects to your computer with a special type of modem. Everything operates in much the same manner; you can use your choice of operating system and your own software, web browsers and email programs. Still, some misconceptions about satellite Internet satellite tv still out there. Let's consider a few of the most prominent views:

Satellite Internet is Expensive: This is certainly a popular view today and it explains why many consumers tend to shy away from satellite alternatives. Internet used to be expensive since the customer had to pay for the massive satellite dish before service started. In today's time however, mini dishes are available and some companies actually defer the cost of the equipment. How is this possible? They require the customer to sign a long-term contract so that the risk is covered over the next few months. They also ask for the equipment back whenever the contract expires.

Satellite Internet is Unreliable: Whether due to weather problems or connection problems, people always seem to think that this type of Internet is an inferior service. Statistically, it is known to operate 99% of the time, which is certainly comparable to the average cable or phone Internet provider.

Satellite Internet is Only Available Through the Cable Company: This is a rather strange misconception that still gets around. Cable and satellite technologies will always be feuding siblings and in many areas these companies actually compete against each other. Remember that satellite Internet has nothing to do with location but with airborne communications. Cable is made possible through ground connections.

Satellite Internet is Not As Established as Traditional Providers: While this type of Internet may not have a grip on the market like cable or phone companies, the technology is solid and many providers have been in business for several years. Furthermore, many of the top companies offer quick professional installation and 24-7 customer support.

Satellite Internet is Not as Fast as Traditional Providers: Satellite Internet is not faster than cable or DSL Internet, but the technology is comparable. Data transmission is a standard 186,000 miles per second, which is about the speed of light. Transmission from floating satellite to mini dish takes about 500-900 milliseconds to travel. The actual download speed can range from 1 megabit per second to 5 megabits per second. This is comparable to traditional Internet providers and is still 50 times faster than the most effective dial-up service.

Satellite can reach 99% of American zip codes; not only is this choice preferable to dial-up service-it is also comparable to cable or phone Internet in every respect.

HughesNet offers speeds up to 50x faster than dial-up. With free standard installation, getting Hughes Internet is simple and cost-effective, and there is no better time to start than now.