What is a satellite? A satellite is a small thing orbiting or circling a larger thing. The complete path it follows is called an orbit. The moon is a example of a natural satellite of the earth. Manmade, or artificial satellites are placed into orbit by rockets or space shuttles. After World War II, the former Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik I, the first artificial satellite in 1951, into space. In 1958, the United States launched its …showed first 75 words of 1476 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1476 total…like a flywheel. After reaching its orbit, the jets are pulsed to start the satellite spinning. The satellite spin axis is orientated to the axis of the earth by means of small axial jets. Velocity jets, are used to place the satellite in orbit position and provide velocity correction. Solar cells are installed around the outside surface of the satellite. This gives a large number of solar cells exposed to the sun 24 hours a day.