Satellites have evolved significantly since Sputnik was launched in 1957. Early satellites were simple devices that gathered basic data and demonstrated orbital technology, while modern satellites can cost over $1 billion and provide advanced capabilities like global communications, weather monitoring, and GPS. However, the growth of space debris is a emerging environmental issue as defunct satellites and fragments threaten future space exploration due to collisions.

1. Satellites 1

2. Presented by Steven Cornelius December 11,2009

7. History This is Sputnik. It was a 58cm 83 kg aluminum ball launched into earth orbit from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, on an R-7/Semiorka rocket by the USSR on October 4, 1957 It contained A battery A thermometer A radio transmitter Sputnik was filled with pressurized nitrogen gas, had 4 antennas which sent information back via short-wave frequency and only lasted 92 days in space.

13. Japanese satellite Akebono

16. Environmental Impact