VIDEO

So, You Want to Build a Satellite?

What goes into making a satellite? Let the folks at NASA tell you.

Grades

2 - 12

Subjects

Earth Science, Astronomy, Engineering, Physics

A satellite is anything that orbits another object in space. There are both natural satellites and artificial satellites. An example of a natural satellite is the moon, which is Earth's natural satellite. Examples of artificial satellites include any machines that are sent into space and that move around the Earth, moon, sun, or a planet. The first artificial satellite launched into space was Sputnik 1, on October 4, 1957. Today, there are more than 2,500 satellites orbiting Earth. Artificial satellites are used for radio, television, navigation, and other types of communication. They are also used for studying the planets or objects they move around, including being used to monitor weather.

Fast Fact

This video uses NASA's MAVEN mission as an example. MAVEN is an acronym that stands for the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution spacecraft.

Fast Fact

MAVEN is a robotic mission that will study the atmosphere, climate, and potential habitability of the planet Mars. It will also study the planet's interaction with the sun and solar wind.

Fast Fact

MAVEN's launch date is set for November 18, 2013.

Fast Fact

After arriving at Mars in fall of 2014, MAVEN will use its propulsion system to enter an elliptical orbit ranging 145 to 6,228 kilometers (90 to 3,870 miles) above the planet.

Fast Fact

MAVEN's eight science instruments will take measurements during a full Earth year, which is roughly equivalent to half of a Martian year.

National Geographic Science: Orbital Objects

Website

NASA: Earth Observatory—Catalog of Earth Satellite Orbits NASA: Student Features—What Is a Satellite?NASA Science: Missons—MAVEN National Geographic Science: Space National Geographic Science: Solar System Nat Geo Movies: Wildest Weather in the Solar System

Credits

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Editor

Christina Riska Simmons

Educator Reviewer

Dianne Koval Butler, Manager, Education Outreach & Partnerships, Lockheed Martin Corporate Communications, Lockheed Martin Corporate Communications

Expert Reviewer

Buddy Nelson, Media Relations, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Lockheed Martin

National Geographic Program

Wildest Weather in the Solar System

Page Producer

Jason Wasser

other

Last Updated

October 19, 2023

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