Definition

Noun: A human-made object intentionally placed into orbit around a celestial body, such as the Earth or the Moon. It is designed for purposes such as communication, navigation, Earth observation, scientific research, or military reconnaissance.

Usage

The term "artificial satellite" is used to distinguish human-made orbiting objects from natural satellites, like the Moon. It is a formal and technical term commonly found in scientific, engineering, and news contexts.

Examples

• The first successful artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, was launched by the Soviet Union in 1957.
• Modern global positioning systems rely on a network of artificial satellites.
• Scientists use data from weather artificial satellites to track storms and predict climate patterns.

Advanced Usage

• "To deploy an artificial satellite": To successfully launch and place a satellite into its intended orbit.
  • The company plans to deploy a new communications artificial satellite next year.
• "Artificial satellite constellation": A group of artificial satellites working together as a system.
  • The internet service is provided by a large artificial satellite constellation in low Earth orbit.

Variants and Related Words

• Satellite (n.): A very common shortened form of "artificial satellite." In technical contexts, "satellite" alone usually implies an artificial one, though it can also mean a natural celestial body orbiting a planet.
  • The television signal is broadcast via satellite.
• Spacecraft (n.): A broader term for any vehicle designed for travel or operation in space, which includes artificial satellites, space probes, and crewed vehicles.
• Orbiter (n.): An object that orbits another; often used specifically for artificial satellites or spacecraft designed to orbit a planet or moon without landing.
• Probe (n.): A type of unmanned spacecraft, often an artificial satellite, sent to explore distant objects and transmit data back to Earth.

Synonyms

• Man-made satellite
• Orbiting vehicle
• Space satellite

Related Phrases

• Satellite imagery/photography: Images of Earth or other planets taken by cameras on artificial satellites.
  • Satellite imagery showed the extent of the forest fire.
• Satellite communication: The use of artificial satellites to transmit signals for telecommunications.
  • The explorers relied on satellite communication to contact their base.
• To orbit (v.): To travel around a celestial body in a curved path. This is the primary function of an artificial satellite.
  • The International Space Station orbits the Earth approximately every 90 minutes.

Noun

1. man-made equipment that orbits around the earth or the moon