A satellite is a small object traveling around something bigger. The Moon is a natural satellite of Earth. A spacecraft launched into orbit around Earth is an artificial satellite. Since Sputnik-1, about 6,000 more satellites have been launched by 40 countries. Nearly 4,000 are still in orbit, and about 1,000 of them are still working. Learn about how we use satellites every day without knowing it to talk on the telephone, watch television, use the internet, predict the weather, navigate the landscape, and run businesses.

Includes index.

The first satellites -- Watching Earth -- Will it rain? -- Communications satellites -- Where am I? -- Astronauts in orbit -- What's on TV? -- Keeping track -- The business of space -- Space telescopes -- Circling other planets -- Space junk.