What are the Main Parts of a Communications Satellite?
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Most communications satellites have the same basic components, pointed out in this diagram:
- Solar cells and batteries to power the satellite systems
- Antennas to receive and transmit signals
- Transponder to alter the frequency of incoming signals (avoiding interference with outgoing signals) and to amplify signals before transmitting them back to Earth
- Orientation and propulsion systems to keep the antennas pointed at Earth, and the satellite in the right orbit.
