Basics of rockets, satellite orbits, GPS, remote sensing

1. Basics of Rockets

  1. Rockets work on the principle of Newton’s Third Law of Motion: "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction."
  2. Uses propellants (solid, liquid, or hybrid) to generate thrust.
  3. Equipped with a payload that can carry satellites, instruments, or astronauts.
  4. Critical components include engines, fuel tanks, and guidance systems.
  5. Widely used in space exploration and satellite deployment.

2. Satellite Orbits

  1. Satellites revolve around Earth due to a balance between gravitational force and centripetal force.
  2. Common orbits include geostationary, polar, and low Earth orbit (LEO).
  3. Geostationary satellites remain fixed relative to a point on Earth, used for communication and weather monitoring.
  4. Polar orbits pass over Earth's poles, used for global mapping and remote sensing.
  5. Low Earth orbits are close to Earth and are used for imaging and scientific research.

3. GPS (Global Positioning System)

  1. GPS uses a network of satellites to determine location on Earth.
  2. Operates using trilateration, requiring signals from at least three satellites to calculate position.
  3. Accurate within meters and is used for navigation, tracking, and geolocation.
  4. Essential for applications in transportation, aviation, and smart devices.
  5. Maintained by global systems like the US GPS, Russia’s GLONASS, and Europe’s Galileo.

4. Remote Sensing

  1. Uses satellites to collect data about Earth's surface and atmosphere.
  2. Operates using electromagnetic waves like visible light, infrared, and microwaves.
  3. Applications include agriculture, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.
  4. Remote sensing satellites capture data for weather forecasting and urban planning.
  5. Key technologies include optical imaging and radar systems.

5. Applications of Space Technology

  1. Enables advancements in communication and navigation.
  2. Supports scientific missions for exploring space and understanding Earth.
  3. Provides real-time data for disaster response and climate monitoring.
  4. Facilitates global connectivity through satellite-based internet.
  5. Drives innovations in technology and engineering.

6. Conclusion

  1. Space technology combines physics, engineering, and innovation to address global challenges.
  2. Ongoing advancements promise to revolutionize exploration and applications.