Meaning and Uses of Satellite | The Launching of Nigeria SAT – 1 | Primary Objectives of the Nigeria SAT 1

MEANING OF SATELLITE 

Satellites can be defined as natural and artificial bodies moving around a larger object in space in order to collect information or for communication. A satellite is a moon, planet or machine that orbits a planet or star.

Earth and the moon are examples of natural Satellites. The moon is the earth’s satellite. While man-made, satellites orbit earth are known as artificial satellites. 

Satellites are mainly referred as a machine launched into the space orbit around earth or other planets in space.

USES OF SATELLITE 

They often affect our lives without our realizing it. They make us safer, provide modern conveniences, and broadcast entertainment. For example,

1. Communication such television, radio, telephone, etc.

2. Photography

3. Mapping

4. Geographic Information System (GIS)

5. Climate & environmental monitoring

6. Land stewardship

7. Space science

8. Safety

9. Navigation

THE LAUNCHING OF NIGERIA SAT-1

The Nigeriasat-1 was the first satellite to be built under the Nigerian government sponsorship. The satellite was launched from Russia on 27 September 2003. Nigeriasat-1 was part of the worldwide Disaster Monitoring Constellation System.

THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THE NIGERIA SAT-1

The primary objectives of the Nigeria Sat-1 are:

1. to give early warning signals of environmental disaster;

2. to help detect and control desertification in the northern part of Nigeria; to assist in demographic planning;

3. to establish the relationship between malaria vectors and the environment that breeds malaria;

4. to give early warning signals on future outbreaks of meningitis using remote sensing technology;

5. to provide the technology needed to bring education to all parts of the country through distant learning; and

6. to aid in conflict resolution and border disputes by mapping out state and International borders.

Read more – Nigerian weather and communications satellites

QUESTION

1. Define the term, satellite.

2. State 5 uses of satellite.

3. Write short note on Nigeria SAT 1.

4. Discuss 4 primary objectives of Nigeria SAT 1.