6. Commercial

a) Orcomm asset tracking and monitoring

Orbcomm is a satellite-based asset tracking and monitoring system that allows for the real-time tracking of a wide range of assets, such as trucks, trailers, shipping containers, and heavy equipment, as well as the monitoring of various environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and vibration. The system utilizes a network of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, as well as terrestrial cellular networks, to provide continuous communication and tracking capabilities to its users.

Orbcomm's tracking devices are typically installed on the assets being monitored and include a GPS receiver to determine the device's location, as well as sensors to measure environmental conditions. The devices transmit this information to the Orbcomm network via satellite or cellular communication, and the data is then made available to the user through an online platform or mobile application.

The system can provide real-time alerts to users if a tracked asset deviates from its planned route or if environmental conditions exceed certain thresholds, allowing for immediate action to be taken to address any issues. The Orbcomm system is used in a variety of industries, including transportation and logistics, agriculture, and oil and gas.

b) Orbcomm vs GPS satellite system

Orbcomm asset tracking and monitoring is a commercial service that provides a way to track and monitor assets using satellite and cellular communications. This system uses a combination of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites and ground-based cellular networks to provide coverage and can work in areas where traditional cellular networks are not available.

Compared to GPS satellite systems, Orbcomm's asset tracking and monitoring system has a different approach to providing location information. GPS relies on a constellation of satellites in orbit to provide location information, which can be accurate to within a few meters. In contrast, Orbcomm uses a hybrid approach that combines location information from GPS satellites with data from cellular networks and LEO satellites. This approach may not be as accurate as GPS in some cases, but it allows the system to work in areas where GPS signals may be blocked, such as in urban canyons or inside buildings.

Orbcomm's system is also designed specifically for asset tracking and monitoring, whereas GPS is a more general-purpose positioning system. Orbcomm's system includes additional features such as environmental monitoring, cargo monitoring, and remote control of assets.

7. Space exploration

Satellites are used to explore space, study planets and other celestial bodies, and conduct deep space research. which satellite system is used for this and frequencies used?

Satellites used for space exploration are usually specialized scientific instruments that are designed to study planets, stars, and other celestial objects. These can include telescopes, spectrographs, and other types of sensors and instruments.

The satellite systems that support space exploration are typically specialized and may be specific to a particular mission. For example, the Hubble Space Telescope is a well-known scientific satellite that has been used to study the universe and its evolution. Other examples of space exploration satellite systems include the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn, and the New Horizons mission to Pluto.

In terms of frequency bands, space exploration satellites can use a wide range of frequencies depending on the specific mission and the types of instruments being used. Some instruments, such as telescopes, may use visible or infrared light to observe celestial objects, while others may use radio waves or other types of electromagnetic radiation to gather data. The frequencies used can vary widely depending on the specific instrument and mission.

a) Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope is not housed in a satellite or space station, but is itself a satellite that orbits around the Earth. It is a large, space-based observatory that was launched into orbit by NASA in 1990.

The Hubble Space Telescope is still operational as of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021. It was last serviced by astronauts in 2009, which extended its expected lifespan until at least the mid-2020s. However, the telescope's lifespan will ultimately depend on how long its various systems and components continue to function properly, as well as its availability of servicing and maintenance.

Astronauts have physically serviced the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) several times. The first servicing mission was conducted in 1993, and there were four more servicing missions between 1997 and 2009. During these missions, astronauts installed new equipment, repaired and upgraded existing equipment, and replaced failing components.

Some of the tasks performed during these servicing missions included:

• Replacing the telescope's solar arrays, gyroscopes, and batteries

• Installing new cameras and spectrographs to improve the telescope's imaging capabilities

• Upgrading the telescope's pointing and control systems

• Replacing the telescope's insulation and protective covers to shield it from temperature fluctuations and micrometeoroids

These servicing missions were crucial to extending the HST's useful lifespan and improving its scientific capabilities.

More about Hubble Space Telescope:

a. Size: The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is about 43 feet (13.1 meters) long and 14 feet (4.2 meters) wide, with a weight of 24,500 pounds (11,110 kg).

b. Servicing: Astronauts reached Hubble using the Space Shuttle, which carried the telescope into orbit in 1990 and provided servicing missions throughout its operational lifetime. The servicing missions were carried out by teams of astronauts who were trained to perform maintenance and upgrades on the telescope. They traveled to the HST using the Shuttle's robotic arm, which lifted them out of the Shuttle's cargo bay and positioned them near the telescope. The astronauts then used their own tools and equipment to make repairs and upgrades to the telescope, including replacing or repairing components, installing new instruments, and upgrading the software that controls the telescope's operations.

After completing their work on the telescope, the astronauts returned to the Space Shuttle using the robotic arm, which lifted them back into the cargo bay. The Space Shuttle then returned to Earth with the astronauts and the repaired Hubble Space Telescope.

8. Conclusion

Thus, the satellites have a wide range of applications and play a crucial role in various industries and fields, including communication, navigation, remote sensing, scientific research, military and intelligence, commercial activities, and space exploration. Satellites enable the transmission of information across long distances, facilitate the collection of data from remote locations, and help monitor and understand various phenomena. They have greatly impacted modern society and will continue to play an essential role in shaping the future.