The design for a satellite to photograph the surface of the earth requires a list of desired features, prioritized from most to least importance, and balanced against the physics of nature’s various waves. To photograph natural and man-made objects on the earth’s surface, the camera must be in the proper location, contain ample power to operate all systems, contain sufficient image resolution to capture the target area, and have the ability to transmit the digital images quickly and reliably to earth. The discussion below will support the design for a nuclear powered “spy” photographic satellite in low earth orbit, possessing a10-meter telescopic mirror, and using microwaves to transmit photographic data to earth.
Location: There are four orbits …show more content…
Radio waves will carry data bits at the same rate as the frequency; higher frequencies will yield higher data rates. Frequency determines wavelength and all frequencies are affected by diffraction when passing through openings, higher frequencies will spread less but are unable to travel around objects. To achieve higher rates of data transmission, a higher frequency with a shorter wavelength is needed, such as microwaves, which are measured in centimeters versus meters for radio waves, and require direct alignment. A benefit of the high frequencies and short wavelengths in microwaves is the ability to direct the signal by shaping the antenna like a dish to focus, aim, and receive the data signal efficiently. The nature of the shaped antenna by focusing the signal and sending the signal in a parallel path to a receiving shaped antenna, negate some of the affects of diffraction. Satellites in geosynchronous orbits require the highest levels of power to transmit data signals to earth, while earth-based receivers use little power when receiving the data. Many communication satellites are in geosynchronous orbits for television, telephone, and Internet, which carry many simultaneous broadcasts, conversations, and data
Location: There are four orbits …show more content…
Radio waves will carry data bits at the same rate as the frequency; higher frequencies will yield higher data rates. Frequency determines wavelength and all frequencies are affected by diffraction when passing through openings, higher frequencies will spread less but are unable to travel around objects. To achieve higher rates of data transmission, a higher frequency with a shorter wavelength is needed, such as microwaves, which are measured in centimeters versus meters for radio waves, and require direct alignment. A benefit of the high frequencies and short wavelengths in microwaves is the ability to direct the signal by shaping the antenna like a dish to focus, aim, and receive the data signal efficiently. The nature of the shaped antenna by focusing the signal and sending the signal in a parallel path to a receiving shaped antenna, negate some of the affects of diffraction. Satellites in geosynchronous orbits require the highest levels of power to transmit data signals to earth, while earth-based receivers use little power when receiving the data. Many communication satellites are in geosynchronous orbits for television, telephone, and Internet, which carry many simultaneous broadcasts, conversations, and data