What is a Satellite? Usually, the word "satellite" refers to a machine that is launched into space and moves around Earth or another body in space. A satellite is a moon, planet, or machine that orbits a planet or star. For example, Earth is a satellite because it orbits the sun. Likewise, the moon is a satellite because it orbits Earth.
Explore the sky roads. A Globe surrounded by thousands of satellites above the Earth's surface, and a planetarium view showing a Live Map of Satellite Positions.