satellite constellations
Coordinated spacecraft groups
Satellite constellations are coordinated groups of artificial satellites working together to provide continuous coverage of Earth.
Unlike single satellites, constellations position multiple spacecraft in complementary orbits so that as one moves out of range, another takes over: Starlink's constellation provides internet to remote areas.
The term borrows from astronomy, where a constellation is a recognized pattern of stars.
- uplinkTransmission to spacecraft
- GPSSatellite-based location technology
- weather monitoringTracking atmospheric conditions
- geostationary orbitRotation-synchronized satellite trajectory
- downlinkSpacecraft-to-Earth transmission
Galileo · global coverage · transponder · orbital plane · climate modeling · disaster management · atomic clock · orbital decay · apogee · polar orbit · infrared imaging · solar panels · perigee · frequency band · propulsion system · launch window · orbital mechanics · ground station
satellite constellationsground stations
Land-based signal receivers
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