Communication Satellites vs Weather Satellites
Are you curious about the differences between communication satellites and weather satellites? Well, you've come to the right place! These two types of satellites may sound similar, but they serve very different purposes.
Communication Satellites
Communication satellites are used to provide various forms of communication services like television, radio, and phone services. These satellites are placed in a geostationary orbit, which means they stay in the same position relative to the earth's surface. This is done to ensure a constant signal between the satellite and the ground station.
In 2019, there were around 2,066 active communication satellites in orbit around the Earth, which shows how essential they are for communication purposes.
Weather Satellites
On the other hand, weather satellites are used to monitor and predict weather changes. They help forecasters to understand weather patterns, detect and monitor natural disasters like hurricanes, and track the movement of weather systems. Weather satellites are placed in a polar orbit, which means they orbit around the North and South poles.
As of 2021, there are currently around 20 active weather satellites in orbit around the Earth that provide daily and hourly data.
Comparison
Communication and weather satellites differ in terms of the services they provide, their location, their orbit timing, and even their launch costs. While communication satellites have to be in a geostationary orbit, weather satellites are placed in polar orbits.
Communication satellites are essential for providing telecommunications services to people, homes, and businesses worldwide. While weather satellites are utilized to help meteorologists understand, detect, and predict weather patterns and natural disasters.
In conclusion, whether communication or weather satellites are more important depends on the specific needs for which they are being used. Both have different purposes, and without one, we would be at a significant disadvantage.
References
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2021). Satellites. https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/content/satellites
- Ben Yahya, M. (2020). A comprehensive review of communication satellites: State of the art and research challenges. Hindawi, Int. J. Antenna Propag., 1-23. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijap/2020/2342681/