Classify artificial satellites according to their function. Explain any three types.

Answer: Weather satellites, communication satellites, broadcast satellites, navigational satellites, military satellites and earth observation satellites.

1. Weather satellites: They study the atmosphere and help in weather forecasting, e.g. tracking clouds and cyclones.
2. Communication satellites: They establish communication between distant places on the earth using microwaves; they are used for telephone, internet and data links. They are usually geostationary.
3. Navigational satellites: They help to find the exact location of a place on the earth’s surface and guide ships, aircraft and vehicles. India’s NavIC (IRNSS) system is an example.

(Others: broadcast satellites relay television programmes; military satellites collect information for national security; earth observation satellites study forests, deserts, oceans, ice cover, minerals and crops.)