ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Satellite constellation

Do you know what a constellation is? It’s a group of stars that make a pattern in the sky. Just like that, a satellite constellation is a group of satellites that orbit around the Earth and make a pattern.

Satellites are objects that are sent to space by people or governments to do different things like taking pictures, helping with communication, or observing the Earth. Just like our planet, satellites also revolve around the Earth.

Now, imagine a big circle around the Earth. This circle is divided into many small sections, let’s say 60 sections. To have a satellite constellation, we need to place a satellite in every section of this circle. These satellites will fly around the Earth in different orbits, but they will always be at a specific distance from each other.

Each of these satellites will have a very important job to do. For example, one satellite will help us do Google Maps, another will help us communicate through our phones, and another one will observe the changes in weather and climate.

Having a satellite constellation is very useful because it helps us get more accurate information and coverage of different parts of the Earth. They work like a team to make sure we have enough information about our world.

In summary, a satellite constellation is like a team of satellites that work together to give us important information about the Earth.