Earth & Space
What does a satellite do?
A helper circles high above Earth. The Wusels explore what satellites do.
The short answer
A satellite orbits a larger body in space. Artificial satellites carry equipment for tasks such as observing weather, relaying messages or research. The Moon is a satellite too, but a natural one.
An imagined Wusel scene
Puschel and Flauschi investigate
Puschel puts a camera card beside every satellite picture. Flauschi finds a model with antennas for messages. They sort their cards again: watch weather, relay messages, study space. Now the satellites do not all have the same job.
Try explaining it
Which statement fits artificial satellites?
Choose a), b) or c), then explain your choice.
- a)Their equipment suits different tasks.
- b)A camera automatically supplies all navigation and weather measurements.
- c)The orbit alone decides which data are produced, even without suitable instruments.
Show the explanation
Correct: a): Their equipment suits different tasks.
A satellite orbits a larger body in space. Artificial satellites carry equipment for tasks such as observing weather, relaying messages or research. The Moon is a satellite too, but a natural one.
Word help
- orbit
- The path of one body around another.
- satellite
- A body orbiting a larger world, natural like the Moon or built by people.
Explore in more detail
Here you will find longer explanations and further details. You can explore them together.
Understand step by step
How it works – simply explained
An orbit is the common feature
A satellite circles a larger body. The Moon formed naturally; artificial satellites are built by people.
Equipment sets the job
A weather satellite may measure clouds. Others relay messages or aid navigation. They do not all have the same camera.
Data are passed on
Equipment collects or transmits information. Radio connects many satellites to ground stations. A satellite is purpose-built technology, not an all-knowing observer.
References for this explanation: [1]
The key points again
Discovery 1
A satellite orbits a larger celestial body. Satellites can be natural, like the Moon, or artificial.
Source: [1]
Discovery 2
Artificial satellites carry equipment for tasks such as weather observation, communication or research.
Source: [1]
Discovery 3
Not every satellite photographs Earth. Some observe space or help determine positions.
Source: [1]