3. INTRODUCTION
All satellites are launched to space and into their
orbit by hitching a ride on a rocket or on the
Space Shuttle, where they are placed inside the
cargo bay. There are also countries and large
corporations that have their own rocket launch
facilities, so they can easily send their own
satellites into orbit. It’s now common to have
satellites that weigh several tons launched
safely into space
5. LAUNCHING TECHNIQUES
First Technique : In the first technique, first the satellite is
placed in lower circular earth orbit at an altitude of around 300
Km. Then a velocity increment is required and it is carried out by
various auxiliary propulsion stages.
Second Technique : The second technique has been used by
expendable launches vehicles such as Ariane, Delta or Atlas-
centaur launcher. In this case there is no initial circular orbit and
the vehicle provides the necessary velocity at the perigee of the
elliptical transfer orbit.
5
6. Third Technique : The third technique has
been used by the Special Expendable Launch
Vehicle such as US Titan III C and the USSR
Proton launchers. In this case satellites are
directly placed into geostationary orbit.
7. CHALLENGES
1. The satellite needs to face the correct
direction.
2. The satellite needs to be able to handle
extreme hot and cold temperatures.
3. The satellite needs to be able to handle the
high radiation levels outside Earth’s
atmosphere.
4. The satellite needs to be able to withstand or
avoid space debris, which might otherwise
damage or destroy it.
