Why Russia's Satellite Launch is a Big Leap

Understanding that there are natural and artificial satellites is a good enough starting point for the direction of this post.

 

Where satellites have been identified as objects that revolve around a larger object, if Geography serves me right, the earth is a typical example of a satellite rotating around the sun. Likewise, the moon to earth. These are clear examples of natural satellites. 

In talking about satellites and quantum leaps, Russia in the past few weeks took a major leap when they beat another path in space exploration. In today’s post, I will share with you why Russia’s satellite launch is a big leap and some other gray areas this launch will provide. 

According to Wikipedia, a satellite or artificial satellite is an object intentionally placed into orbit in outer space. Except for passive satellites, most satellites have an electricity generation system for equipment on board, such as solar panels or radioisotope thermoelectric generators. 

There are a large number of satellites in use serving a variety of functions, including the Global Positioning System, weather forecast, amateur radio communications, television broadcast, and space exploration. 

To conduct research and acquire data, they are also employed to gaze outward into the solar system, finding out possible dangerous rays that come from the sun and other planets. 

Russia recently launched its first space satellite amidst the controversial war headlines between itself and Ukraine. Within a week, Russia launched three satellites in their bid to ensure a Russian navigation system that works and is updated. 

The busy week of launches started on October 10th when Soyuz, Proton, and Angara were launched into space. 

These launches were known not just for what the US calls GPS [Global Positioning System] in the art of establishing their navigation system, but also as a good opportunity to establish an Angolan communications spacecraft and a top-secret military spy payload. 

SpaceX has been celebrated by many for its remarkable pursuit of the provision of satellite internet services, especially to areas with low and remote access to internet connectivity. 

Just as the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia is still a major one, Ukraine has enjoyed the services of Starlink through the support of USAID and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who has generously provided Starlink to Ukraine with free subscriptions. 

At a time when CEO Elon Musk has reportedly announced the end of free services to the Ukrainian government and asked that the US take up the bill, this has been a reason for commotion in Ukraine, especially after Elon Musk shared his view about the way between both countries. 

Russia launching their satellite might appear strategic at a point like this. However, even if this was not aimed solely for war benefits, Russia’s satellite launch is laudable and should herald similar uses for road navigation [GPS], weather forecast, military intelligence, astronomy, and a wide range of access to data. 

I guess everything has a threshold eventually, and the satellites are not excluded. When satellites are launched into space and they revolve around their orbit, called GSO [Geostationary Satellite Orbit], they contend with molecular drag. 

Considering this molecular drag, the shelf life for most satellites in orbit is seven years. With the recent advancement in technology and its spread, modern satellites can serve for up to 10 years.