Ways You Used Satellites Today And Didn’t Know It

You may be surprised to find out that you’ve most likely used a satellite today and didn’t know it. The things we can do with satellites to make our lives more comfortable every day are unlimited. And with their numbers rising due to the increasing availability of the material used to make them, we’re in a world full of endless possibilities.

There are thousands of satellites orbiting our planet at any given time. Some of them are helpful to us in the present, and some of them look into space, searching for whatever they’re designed to find. But what are the unusual uses of satellites that we enjoy but don’t know about? Let’s find out.

What Are The Types And Uses Of Satellites?

1. GPS (Global Positioning Systems)

When you’re trying to find out what the uses of satellites are that you didn’t know about, you’re likely to find your answer in simple, everyday items you wouldn’t give a second thought to. For instance, many people use car navigation systems or smartphones. And a GPS is made up of three essential parts. First are the receivers, ground stations, and finally, the satellites.

Different kinds of satellites come together to form their particular constellation—just like the stars. Therefore, the location of a particular one is always known. The ground stations help control and track the satellites while the receivers await signals passed on from them.

When four satellites in the same constellation pass on information to a receiver, your exact location can be traced. This is how people or organizations use satellite services to pinpoint precise areas of people or things they’re looking for.

2. Satellite TV And Radio

If you’re smart, you probably figured this one out. But if you’ve been wondering about the uses of satellites for your radio or TV, you’re about to find out. Radio services and satellite television get their signals for your favorite shows from satellites in orbit almost 22,000 miles over the Earth. At this altitude, it is typically at the same place all the time. Scientists refer to these phenomena as being “geostationary” or “geosynchronous.”

Here’s one of the facts about satellites: satellite TV and radio wouldn’t work for you when trying to catch up to a favorite show if the satellite you’re connected to were in the lower altitudes. This is because, at lower altitudes, they don’t pass across the same place regularly, so essentially, your signal would be lost.

3. Weather Forecasting

Some of the most vital satellite applications we have today are forecasting and weather analysis. Forecasters access tons of essential information from geosynchronous and polar-orbiting ones. So, what are the uses of satellites we don’t know about concerning this?

Geostationary satellites watch over quick-changing storm systems, volcanic ash plumes, wildfires, jet stream patterns, and hurricanes. On the other hand, polar-orbiting ones offer detailed information about humidity, temperature, and other weather aspects used in numerical weather prediction systems. This way, we have access to information about the weather or incoming weather at the click of a button.

4. Withdrawals From ATMs

One of the unknown uses of satellites is in the banking industry, specifically in ATM withdrawals. To understand this, you have to keep in mind the earlier conversation we had about GPS systems. GPS works like clockwork and is extremely precise.

When you consider the economic infrastructure throughout the world and, most specifically, in the United States, you will realize that GPS is critical for point-of-sale transactions and ATM withdrawals or transactions.

Since GPS relies on satellites to work and ATMs rely on GPS, if a significant outage were to happen or GPS was compromised in any way, we would have to witness first-hand how sensitive check transactions, mobile communication, credit card transactions, and the entire electrical grid are.

Convenience During Flights

Here’s a not-so-unusual use of satellites that you’ve most likely experienced that’ll shine some light on your question, “What are the uses of satellites?” The Internet you’ve used to stay in touch with social media or the movies you watch during a long flight is made possible by satellite transmissions. Without them, the only entertainment you’d have on flights is the preloaded playlist on your mobile.

Broadband And Phone Services

Remote locations require the use of satellite phones for international communication. But, in the US, rural communities use them for phone service or broadband Internet. However, fixed wireless and satellite broadband only make up almost 3 percent of the US market for fixed broadband.

Conclusion

It’s interesting how many different uses of satellites there are. It is astounding to think that so much of our daily lives are interconnected around their use, efficiency, and precision. Take a minute to remember the benefits of satellites that have served you today. Then let us know what you think about them in the comments.