Launching Satellite
How Satellites Get Launched, Live, and Retire in Orbit
The Role of Satellites in Modern Life
Satellites are the unseen engines behind much of today’s technology. They power GPS navigation, enable global internet coverage, monitor weather systems, support military surveillance, and provide live television broadcasts. Although we rarely think about them, satellites are essential to our daily routines and global infrastructure. Behind the scenes, each satellite's journey to space involves careful design, legal coordination, strategic launching, and precise orbital management. Once their missions end, they must also be decommissioned properly to avoid contributing to space debris.
Types of Orbits: LEO, MEO, and GEO
Satellites are placed into three primary types of orbits based on their mission needs: Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Orbit (GEO). LEO, ranging from 160 to 2,000 kilometers above Earth, is ideal for Earth observation, scientific research, and low-latency communications like satellite internet (e.g., Starlink). MEO, sitting between 2,000 and 35,786 kilometers, hosts navigation systems such as GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS. GEO is located exactly 35,786 kilometers above the equator and is used for weather satellites and TV broadcasting, as it allows satellites to stay fixed over one point on the Earth’s surface.
Who Regulates and Manages Satellite Orbits?
Orbital paths and satellite communication frequencies are governed by international and national authorities. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN agency, allocates orbital slots and radio frequencies to prevent interference. National space agencies like NASA (United States), ESA (Europe), ISRO (India), and CNSA (China) handle the regulation, development, and monitoring of satellites in their respective countries. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversee satellite licensing and launch permissions, while the U.S. Space Command plays a key role in tracking orbital objects and preventing collisions.
How Satellites Are Launched into Orbit
To reach space, satellites are launched aboard powerful rockets known as launch vehicles. The choice of rocket depends on the satellite’s size, weight, and target orbit. Common launch vehicles include SpaceX’s Falcon 9 for LEO and MEO missions, India’s PSLV and GSLV, Europe’s Ariane 5, and Russia’s Soyuz. Launches take place from various spaceports around the globe, including Kennedy Space Center (USA), Baikonur Cosmodrome (Kazakhstan), Guiana Space Centre (France), and Sriharikota (India). Some companies are even developing sea-based launch platforms to expand flexibility and reduce risk.
How Much Does It Cost to Launch a Satellite?
Satellite launch costs vary depending on orbit, payload size, and mission complexity. Small satellites sent to LEO via rideshare missions may cost between $1 million and $5 million. Medium payloads to higher altitudes can cost $10 million to $30 million, while large satellites going to GEO can exceed $100 million in total mission costs, including manufacturing, launch, and insurance. The introduction of reusable rockets, especially by SpaceX, has significantly reduced costs and made access to space more affordable for both governments and commercial operators.
How Satellites Are Powered and Operated
Once in orbit, satellites rely almost entirely on solar energy for power. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which is stored in rechargeable batteries to keep systems functioning during eclipse periods or when sunlight is blocked. Satellites also carry onboard computers, antennas, gyroscopes, propulsion systems, and temperature regulation devices. Their operational lifespan depends on several factors, including orbit type, fuel capacity, and exposure to radiation. LEO satellites typically last 5 to 10 years, while MEO and GEO satellites often remain functional for 10 to 15 years or longer if properly maintained.
What Happens When a Satellite Reaches the End of Life?
When a satellite’s mission ends—whether due to fuel depletion, component failure, or mission completion—it must be properly removed or repositioned to avoid becoming dangerous space debris. LEO satellites often naturally deorbit due to atmospheric drag, burning up upon reentry. For safety, some are actively maneuvered downward to ensure controlled reentry over remote areas. Satellites in MEO and GEO, which are too distant to fall back safely, are moved to "graveyard" orbits, where they won’t interfere with active satellites. End-of-life planning is typically built into satellite missions, with fuel reserves reserved for final maneuvers.
Why Satellite Management Matters More Than Ever
As space becomes increasingly crowded with satellites—especially due to large constellations like Starlink and OneWeb—responsible management is more critical than ever. Avoiding orbital collisions, managing radio frequencies, and mitigating space debris all require international cooperation and careful policy enforcement. The entire life cycle of a satellite, from launch to retirement, must be planned with sustainability in mind to ensure that space remains safe and usable for future generations.
Conclusion: Space Is Closer Than It Seems
Satellites may orbit hundreds or thousands of kilometers above us, but their influence is grounded in our everyday lives. From how we navigate to how we communicate, they are fundamental to the modern world. Understanding how they are launched, powered, managed, and eventually decommissioned reveals just how much thought and coordination goes into maintaining our presence in space. Far from being distant machines, satellites are carefully managed assets—born from Earth, built to orbit, and eventually brought down when their job is done.
References
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NASA – Orbits and Satellites
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URL: https://www.nasa.gov
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Overview of LEO, MEO, and GEO orbits and their uses in space missions.
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International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
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URL: https://www.itu.int
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Governing body for orbital slot and radio spectrum allocation.
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SpaceX Falcon 9 User’s Guide
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Details on launch vehicles, capabilities, and orbit insertion.
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European Space Agency (ESA) – Satellite Orbits
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URL: https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Orbit_selection
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ESA’s explanation of orbit types and mission planning.
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United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
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Information on international space law and orbital debris policy.
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U.S. Space Command – Satellite Catalog and Tracking
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Tracks satellites and manages collision avoidance data.
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NASA – Power Systems for Spacecraft
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Describes how satellites are powered using solar panels and batteries.
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Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – Satellite Licensing
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Details on how U.S. satellites are approved and regulated.
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Space Foundation – The Space Report
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Annual data on costs, launches, and commercial space activity.
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NASA Orbital Debris Program Office
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Guidelines on deorbiting satellites and managing space debris.
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