How are satellites powered?

[azazyel]

Originally posted by: brandonbull
Hamsters in little space suits running around a wheel?

man that's what I was going to say!

 

[imthebadguy]

fuel cells

 

[Schadenfroh]

Wireless extension cords

 

[SoulAssassin]

Originally posted by: sohcrates
big 'ole solar panels

problem is, although they work better in space, they also get damaged / corrode / basically lose functionality over a relatively short period of time because of the harsh environment.

that's why, for instance, XM radio has had to already launch replacement satellites up because their original sat's only had an expected lifespan of about 10 years

I would think it's more of the orbit decaying than the satellite itself but both probably happen in different circumstances.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Wireless extension cords

That would explain the Bermuda triangle...it's the base transmitter for the satellites - airplanes and stuff must get vaporized when flying over :Q

 

[us3rnotfound]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Wireless extension cords

"Ah, of course, of course." /Peter

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: Atheus

Originally posted by: Electric Amish
Nuclear

I don't think it's really nuclear, as in fission or fusion, it's the heat from a decaying radioactive substance.

They have a term for that. It's "Nuclear".

Seriously, they do use nuclear power, but it is different than a nuclear power plant.

In fact, you can find info on RTG's in the Wikipedia article for Nuclear Power.

 

[halik]

deep space ones:

Text

 

[FoBoT]

I :heart: nuclear

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
I :heart: nuclear

91TTZ gives FoBoT a radioactive hug.

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: 91TTZ

Originally posted by: FoBoT
I :heart: nuclear

91TTZ gives FoBoT a radioactive hug.

http://www.microcosmpublishing.com/catimages/image_1296.gif

 

[Howard]

They gain energy from their treadmills.

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: FoBoT

Originally posted by: 91TTZ

Originally posted by: FoBoT
I :heart: nuclear

91TTZ gives FoBoT a radioactive hug.

http://www.microcosmpublishing.com/catimages/image_1296.gif

lol

Well excuuuuuse me!

 

[clickynext]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Wireless extension cords

That looks potentially dangerous if someone decides to sit near or between them...