<h5>What is a satellite?</h5>  <p>A satellite is any natural or artificial body that revolves around a larger astronomical body. Natural satellites include moons and planets, while artificial satellites include spacecraft, space stations, communication and weather satellites. </p>
<p>Usually, an artificial satellite is placed into its orbit with the help of a rocket. The Earth’s gravitational pull keeps it moving on a defined path.</p>
<p>These satellites make it possible for us to talk on our phones, view TV channels (you probably have a Tata Sky or Airtel dish connected to a box), predict the weather, etc. Recently, SpaceX has launched satellites that allow people on Earth to connect to the internet. </p> <h5>What is SpaceX and what does it do?</h5>  <p>SpaceX is an American company founded in 2002 by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. It specialises in designing, manufacturing, and launching spacecraft as well as communication satellites. </p>
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It collaborated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), an agency of the United States government, to deliver cargo to the International Space Station in 2012. Last week, SpaceX launched 46 Starlink satellites from an Air Force Base in California.
</p> <h5>What does the launch of the Starlink satellites mean for the world?</h5> <figure>
        <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/spacex-launches-46-starlink-satellites%2Fspacex-launches-46-starlink-satellites-section1.jpeg?alt=media&token=c47b8e91-5a6b-4bc9-bc43-a2fe32fa9e1f" alt="What does the launch of the Starlink satellites mean for the world?" >
        <figcaption>An actual image of the Starlink satellite with the Earth in the background. Photo by SpaceX.</figcaption>
      </figure> <p>SpaceX’s Starlink satellites are being launched as a part of its mission to establish the world’s largest constellation of satellites capable of providing internet anywhere in the world (including land and sea). </p>
<p>The first Starlink mission started in 2015 but the first Starlink satellite was launched only in 2019. Since then, SpaceX has successfully put nearly 3000 such satellites in orbit. Currently, over 36 countries have access to Starlink’s internet services. But to service the entire globe, SpaceX will have to launch more than 10,000 satellites. </p>
<p>Scientists have cautioned against having so many satellites in the lower-earth orbit. They fear that it may lead to collisions with other objects in space and even cause light pollution. Light pollution can affect the practice of star-gazing and threatens the survival of nocturnal animals, who navigate with the help of the night sky.
</p> <h5>How is satellite internet different from regular internet?</h5>  <p>Internet services have, up until now, been made available to us through a global network of underground cables. However, with the launch of the Starlink satellites, we will be able to access this service through the direct signals of a satellite. </p>
<p>Satellite internet has the advantage of reaching a wider set of people, especially those who reside in remote places or places with rugged terrain. However, there are still flaws that need to be worked out. It is still not as fast as cable internet but it is more expensive. The reliance on a dish antenna to receive satellite signals also means that the internet may not be accessible in harsh weather conditions. </p>
<p>SpaceX says that it's working on improving the design and functionality of its Starlink satellites. Hopefully, SpaceX will find ways to minimise its harmful impact on the environment while bringing high-speed internet facilities our way!
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SpaceX, an American rocket and spacecraft company, recently launched 46 Starlink satellites. Let’s find out what’s so special about Starlink satellites.

SpaceX Launches 46 Starlink Satellites

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SpaceX Launches 46 Starlink Satellites

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