The television we watch at home, the weather updates we receive, the knowledge we acquire of other planets in the universe, are all possible due to satellites. Artificial satellites are man-made objects that orbit the Earth. These satellites are launched for specific purposes. A satellite is lifted from the earth’s surface by a rocket and, once placed in orbit, maintains its motion without further rocket propulsion. The first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, was launched on Oct. 4, 1957, by the USSR, which triggered the space race between the Soviet Union and the U.S. The first U.S. satellite, Explorer I, was launched on Jan. 31, 1958. During the first decade of space exploration, satellites were launched from either the United States or USSR. Today, there are more than three dozen launch sites in use or under construction in more than a dozen countries.

Satellite radio is the latest trend in the world of radio entertainment. It is also known as subscription radio and pay radio. This is due to the fact that a paid subscription is required in order to access it. The reason for the paid subscription is because it has programs that are not offered by traditional AM and FM stations.

How Does Satellite Radio Work?

As the name implies, satellite radio uses satellites to send the programs to listeners. The radio signal goes from the earth-based stations to the space satellites, then back down to the radio receivers. The signals reach a much larger area than regular radio antennas. Satellite radio is now available to most of the world.

XM and Sirius are the two companies in the U.S that offer quality satellite radio service. XM, the forerunner of satellite radio has 2 satellites, Rock and Roll, and has 2 satellite radio studios in Washington D.C. which reaches all of its 3,200,000 subscribers. Sirius Radio, XM’s current competitor, has 3 satellites, studios in NY and has 1,100,000 subscribers.

There is no question about it; satellite radio is far superior to the landlocked radio stations. This new generation of radio, with its digital quality and unlimited content, makes AM/FM radio look ancient in comparison. Satellite radio has incredible advantages that regular radio stations can only hope to offer.

Radio broadcasting has grown volumes in the almost 15 years that have passed since the Untied States Federal Communications Commission made the S band (the 2.3 GH frequency) available for Digital Audio Radio Service. With an ability to broadcast with static free, high quality sound over a distance surpassing 20,000 miles, satellite radio is one of the most significant developments in the world of broadcasting since the launch of FM itself. Sirius, XM and WorldSpace, satellite radio companies, have capitalized on this technology and have brought it to the masses on a worldwide scale. But how it does satellite radio really work?

Navigational satellites were one of the early applications of artificial earth satellites. Very early in the space age, researchers realized that satellites could be put on orbits to permit ships, aircraft, or other vehicles to exactly determine their locations. Global positioning systems (GPS) make of navigation satellites. The GPS constellation system was first established by the US military to support of their forces. But it is now in widespread in public and commercial applications.

The navigation equipment generally consists of a sensitive radio receiver, an accurate frequency reference, and an accurate clock. The idea of using satellites for navigation began with the launch of Sputnik 1 on October 4, 1957. Satellite navigation systems allow small electronic devices to determine their location.

Satellites fall into five principal types - research satellites, communication satellites, weather satellites, navigational satellites, and application satellites. Communication satellites provide a worldwide linkup of radio, telephone, and television. The first communication satellite was Echo 1, launched in 1960. Relay 1 and telstar 1 were the first active communications satellites. They were launched in 1962. Telstar 1 transmitted first live television broadcast across the Atlantic.

Satellite car radio is a growing industry in today’s market place. Most common car audio manufacturers have adapted their products to include satellite car radio services. This allows drivers a wider range of music for their listening pleasure making the travel place a much more entertaining place to be.

When it comes to the dreariness and monotony of the daily commute for those employed individuals, satellite car radio can offer a fresh breath of air with their wide variety of entertainment with the convenience of being mobile. Many morning show personalities have opted to take the satellite radio route as opposed to limiting themselves to syndication by normal radio station broadcasters. Satellite car radio has given the on-air personalities a wider range of listeners during the daily commute.

A satellite radio is a special radio that receives signals broadcast by satellite. This allows the listener to follow a single channel no matter where they are because the signal’s reach is not limited by station power and curvature of the Earth. Satellite radio, also called digital radio, offers commercial and distortion free, CD quality music beamed to your car radio or home stereo from space.

XM and Sirius, the two American providers of satellite radio, share the market for satellite radio service. XM had a year’s head start, but Sirius still managed to get half of the audience. Both types of satellite services offer similar programs. So what’s the best one to choose?

XM offers 136 streams while Sirius only offers 119. Another benefit that XM has over Sirius is that it offers 2 premium channels, Playboy and High Voltage. Sirius does not offer premium channels. Two of the categories that these satellite providers are battling over are music and news. Let’s compare what each has to offer.

The two things people love the most about satellite radio are: quality and content. These two things are also the very things that encourage people to go out and buy a new system. So what if it costs $300 for a satellite radio receiver, and another $13 per month for subscriptions. The benefits of satellite radio far out weigh the price!

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