What is a satellite?

Dateline article| David Murphy|

Satellites are unmanned spacecraft that are launched by rockets and set on any of several paths or orbits around the Earth. Satellites perform any number of functions. Some carry telecommunications equipment that relay the signals of television broadcasts. Others are used for military purposes. Weather satellites are specifically designed to monitor, record and help forecast weather.

---David Murphy

Copyright © 2023 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.