The number of satellites in our planet’s orbit keeps growing exponentially, just as our reliance on space tech for various routine tasks, from looking up a new address to staying connected while camping. Ironically, now that space launches have become so common, few people pause to think just how complex this technology is. And yet, component parts of rockets and satellites are, without exaggeration, a technological marvel – and space tech applications go beyond streaming videos next to a campfire. But first, it’s significant to understand how it all works. In this post, we will list all essential satellite components that make our space helpers tick (not literally, of course) and explain some satellite functions that may surprise you.
What are the 4 important parts of an artificial satellite?
Before we dig deeper into a more detailed list of satellite parts and functions, let’s set some basics aside. Every satellite, regardless of its purpose and specific design, will need at least four components, namely:
● Payload, which is a set of useful equipment a spacecraft carries to accomplish its mission objectives. It’s a term we often hear on the news, so when someone asks – What are the parts of a satellite and its function? Payload is one of the first things that comes to mind. But the tricky thing is that payload is not technically a ‘part,’ and its function can vary greatly. For example, earth monitoring satellites are supposed to take pictures of our planet, and telecommunication spacecraft should transmit signals. For the first type, the payload is cameras, but for the second – antennae.
● Power components, which usually include solar panels to make use of ‘free’ electricity and batteries to operate in our planet’s shadow.
● Communication components to send and receive signals from ground stations.
● Control components that ensure a spacecraft maintains its proper position in orbit.
But of course, the reality is never that simple, so let’s have a look at a more detailed satellite components list to ensure the proper operation of spacecraft in orbit.
What are the 10 functions of satellite?
Instead of leading with the satellite parts’ names, let’s start with the main function each critical component fulfils.
1. Generating power, done by a set of critical components already mentioned above.
2. Regulating internal temperature function is carried out by thermal control components – a complex system that includes both passive elements like external coating and active components like heating and cooling units.
3. Transmitting data to Earth happens through a series of receivers, transponders, and other satellite components that make up a larger communication system.
4. Preparing data for transmission because, before raw information can be sent to Earth, it should be pre-processed by dedicated data handling components.
5. Maneuvering in orbit is made possible thanks to a propulsion system allowing a satellite to adjust its position in orbit or, with advanced tech, even move to a new destination.
6. Focusing on its target, but before you imagine a Death Star killing ray, recall a payload component we already discussed. Satellites have specific missions – usually taking measurements or capturing pictures of our planet, and the attitude control system component ensures that all sensors are pointing in the right direction.
7. Measuring the location is carried out by a set of additional sensors outside the attitude control component. However, these sensors are necessary to ensure ‘internal’ satellite orientation.
8. Controlling all internal functions is done with an onboard computer, aka control component, acting as a spacecraft brain.
9. Carrying necessary tools, aka payload component, to ensure a satellite can successfully complete its mission goals.
10. Literally holding it all together on a structural frame, usually referred to as bus – another term you might have heard before. The bus, carrying all electronics necessary for a satellite to function, and payload, a set of equipment necessary for a satellite to complete its goals, are the two logical segments in each spacecraft – even though in practice, both include a series of other complex components essential for operating in space.
What’s next? Amazing tech underway
Impressive as those complex satellite components are, they are not the limit because space tech is not standing still. Currently, the most promising developments have to do with propulsion components – eventually, satellites in our orbit should have more freedom of maneuver.
Next, autonomous navigation is underway, and major advances have already occurred in data processing because today’s AI algorithms can process data quicker and more efficiently than human staff.
However, our growing reliance on space tech also increases the likelihood of cyber attacks, so engineers are actively working on quantum encryption systems to safeguard spacecraft communication with ground segments.
Right now, these advances may sound like science fiction, but they are already happening. The space industry is pacing at a speed humanity has never seen before, so even colonization of distant planets no longer seems too distant a dream. So, keep an eye on space news because every new development is more amazing than the last!