Get Your Satellites Straight
Satellites are gaining in the race to deliver broadband. They are really just another version of wireless communications. Test what you know about them.
1. The first communications satellite was launched in _______.
Correct Answer: 1962
The first communications satellite was Telstar from AT&T in 1962.
2. Early satellites were primarily used for _______.
Correct Answer: International communications
Early satellites were used for international communications because there were few international submarine cables.
3. The first communications satellites were called geostationary satellites because their orbit kept them above one point on Earth.
Correct Answer: True
Geostationary satellites hover over one point on Earth and are still used for TV.
4. Geostationary satellites’ orbits keep them above one point on Earth because _______.
Correct Answer: Their orbits are so high they circle the Earth in exactly one day
Their orbits are so high (22,200 miles or 36,800 km) they circle the Earth in exactly one day, staying above a single point on the Earth.
5. The downside of geosynchronous satellites is the signal _______ because their orbit is so far away from Earth.
Correct Answer: Latency (time delay)
Because of the high orbit, it takes about ¼ second for the signal to get to the satellite nd return to Earth, causing an annoying delay.
6. The new generation of satellites designed for the internet are called _______ satellites.
Correct Answer: Low Earth Orbit
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites orbit close to the earth (~340 miles or 550 km) and move fast over the users on the ground.
7. Geostationary satellite orbits are about 22,000 miles above the Earth while low Earth orbit satellites are only about 340 miles above the Earth.
Correct Answer: True
Their orbits are so high (22,200 miles or 36,800 km) they circle the Earth in exactly one day, staying above a single point on the Earth.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites orbit close to the earth (~340 miles or 550 km) and move fast over the users on the ground.
8. Because low Earth orbit satellites are in closer orbit and moving so fast, _______ of satellites are required to create a viable network.
Correct Answer: Thousands
Thousands of the fast-moving LEO satellites are required to create a viable network.
9. The advantage of satellites is _______.
Correct Answer: The ability to connect users in rural areas
Satellites are the most economical way to connect users in rural areas.
10. Satellites require _______ to allow them to provide communications services.
Correct Answer: Extensive ground-based fiber optic networks
Satellites require ground-based fiber optic networks to connect into other telecom networks and the internet.
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