| By Gary Davis Dish-Network-Satellite-TV.ws Webmasters: You may reprint this article in its entirety, providing you leave Byline and About Author sections intact, including links to Dish Network Satellite TV.  A satellite is built in such a way that it is as light as possible. This way it can carry more fuel with it, which increases its life in orbit. The total weight is determined by rocket(s) that carry satellite into space. The rocket is able to bring a certain amount of weight into orbit and this is something manufacturer of satellite has to take into account when designing a new satellite. In order to bring a satellite into space it needs to first enter a low earth orbit (LEO). To get into LEO rocket needs to reach an altitude of at least 200 km (120 miles) and a speed of no less than 29.000 km per hour (18.000 miles per hour). This is most difficult and expensive part of launch of a satellite. There is an enormous amount of energy needed to reach LEO. Generally 2 rocket stages are needed to bring a satellite into LEO. The first rocket stage brings rocket up into thinner air at higher altitudes and speeds rocket up enough to have second stage bring rest into LEO. Depending on mission a third rocket stage is used to bring satellite into higher orbits, for instance a geostationary orbit. Operations in Space Once they are in space satellites need to be completely self-sustained, since they can not receive power from earth. They also need to be able to survive launch, which is not a soft ride. Once in space satellite needs to generate its own power, being able to orient it self, dissipate heat, deal with cosmic radiation and protect it self from micro meteors. Power Electricity is main form of energy for all equipment on board and for orientation. Fuel is on board for moving position or changing orbit. In case of a geostationary orbit, satellite needs to be kept inside a imaginary box so that it always stays in same place as seen from earth. In case of other satellites, fuel can be used to change orbit, or maintain an orbit. A satellite in low earth orbit for instance still receives a tiny bit of friction from atmosphere which causes it to slow down and eventually fall back to earth. A slight boast every now and then to speed satellite up ensures that it stays in orbit. Electricity comes from solar panels with a battery back for when solar panels do not receive sunlight and for when solar panels aren’t deployed yet. Orientation Orientation of satellite is extremely difficult. In case of a geostationary satellite it is like aiming a light beam on a dartboard that has been placed 300 feet away, while at same time going around dartboard in 24 hours. When you do that, you have a reference, ground. A satellite doesn’t have this fixed reference and needs to create this reference by it self.
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