Satellite Types

A satellite is a spacecraft placed in orbit to carry payloads for services or scientific measurements. Satellite type is decided mainly by mission objective and payload (what the satellite carries and measures), and by orbit and ground segment.

Satellite Concepts

India’s satellite portfolio is organised around major national service goals: communication, earth observation, meteorology, navigation, and space science.

• Payload defines the satellite type:
  • Communication payloads relay signals;
  • remote sensing payloads image/measure Earth;
  • navigation payloads broadcast timing/ranging signals;
  • meteorological payloads observe weather and oceans; and
  • science payloads observe space phenomena.
• Communication and meteorology often use geostationary orbit for continuous regional view; many Earth ....