Article
Article
Scientific and applications satellites
Article By:
Newell, Homer E. Formerly, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC.
Clark, John F. Formerly, Spaceport Graduate Center, Florida Institute of Technology, Satellite Beach, Florida.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.607300
Artificial satellites that are used either to gain basic knowledge and understanding (scientific satellites) or to apply knowledge and understanding to some useful end purpose (applications satellites). They may be satellites of Earth or of other planets or their moons. Satellites used to apply space knowledge and techniques to practical purposes are called applications satellites. Many spacecraft are used for multiple purposes, combining space exploration, science, and applications in various ways. Scientific satellites are often called research satellites, and applications satellites are commonly designated by the application field, for example, navigation satellites. See also: Satellite (spacecraft)
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