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Satellite Technology

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Book cover War in Space

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Abstract

The world relies on satellite technology for vital communications and entertainment. Over the past 60 plus years, the amount and types of services that satellite networks perform have increased steadily, most often without us realizing it. Systems of manmade objects orbiting above us silently manage basic systems that help us to be safer and more productive. Their entertainment and communication technology control television, telephones, and navigations systems (GPS) used by millions worldwide. In addition, many business and financial transactions between companies and retailers use satellite transmissions to purchase items and services and perform management processes. Further, satellites play a critical role in time-sensitive scientific activities, such as monitoring weather on a global scale and measuring the visual effects of climate and environmental changes, as well as providing valuable information in emergency situations. In developing nations, satellites provide access to education and medical expertise. Not as many people are aware of the increasing dependence of military operations on satellite data for surveillance and secure communications.

“The eyes of the world now look into space, to the Moon and to the planets beyond, and we have vowed that we shall not see it governed by a hostile flag of conquest, but by a banner of freedom and peace. We have vowed that we shall not see space filled with weapons of mass destruction, but with instruments of knowledge and understanding.”

–John F. Kennedy, 1962

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Senior Lecturer Emeritus, University of Washington, Tacoma, WA, USA

    Linda Dawson

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  1. Linda Dawson
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Dawson, L. (2018). Satellite Technology. In: War in Space. Springer Praxis Books(). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93052-7_9

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