What are some of different energy resources that can be used by satellites and when are each type used?
There are three different stages where a satellite will need power. The first one is the launch of the satellite. It will take a huge amount of power to drive the satellite out of the Earth’s atmosphere. Most satellites use Cryogenic rocket engines which use a mixture of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as fuel. These gases are both converted to liquids by freezing them to a very low temperature and when ignited together produce a huge amount of power to drive the satellite into space.
The second stage is to get the satellite into the correct orbit. This is done using smaller rocket engines which will usually use the same type of fuel as the main launch engines to thrust the satellite. Once it is in position minor adjustments are made (eg. turning the satellite around) using attitude control thrusters which use compressed gas released through a nozzle.
The final stage is getting the satellite to work on a day to day basis. A satellites systems run on batteries which are topped up by solar energy. Solar power converts and stores energy from the sun.
The second stage is to get the satellite into the correct orbit. This is done using smaller rocket engines which will usually use the same type of fuel as the main launch engines to thrust the satellite. Once it is in position minor adjustments are made (eg. turning the satellite around) using attitude control thrusters which use compressed gas released through a nozzle.
The final stage is getting the satellite to work on a day to day basis. A satellites systems run on batteries which are topped up by solar energy. Solar power converts and stores energy from the sun.