Satellites come in two flavors: natural and artificial. Natural satellites are celestial bodies that orbit planets, like our moon.

Artificial satellites, on the other hand, are man-made wonders that we launch into space using rockets and shuttles. These artificial satellites have changed our lives in remarkable ways.

For instance, thanks to these orbiting marvels, we can communicate with anyone, anywhere on Earth.

Ever wonder how you're able to predict the weather or find your way during a road trip? Yep, satellites play a crucial role in that too.

They've opened up avenues for scientific research, expanding our understanding of the universe. In short, the presence of satellites has revolutionized our daily lives.

But just how many of these satellites are up there in the great expanse of space?

According to data from agencies under the United States Johnson Space Center, there are currently 7,700 satellites orbiting our planet. However, not all of them are operational; some have turned into space junk.

Other working satellites are spread out in various positions based on their specific functions.

Surprisingly, nearly half of all satellites belong to the United States, totaling 3,395.

This count includes satellites that have retired from active duty, leaving around 600 still in orbit. Among the most well-known U.S. artificial satellites is the Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation.

Another significant U.S. project is Starlink, part of SpaceX's ambitious plans.

The goal is to deploy a staggering 12,000 satellites between 2019 and 2024, forming a vast "Star Chain." This number could even swell to 42,000 in the coming years, showcasing the rapid growth of artificial satellites.

Artificial satellites are a diverse family, classified into three main types: scientific satellites, technical test satellites, and application satellites.

1. Scientific Satellites: These are used for scientific exploration and research. They include satellites for studying space physics, astronomy, and more. They help us learn about Earth's upper atmosphere, radiation belts, magnetosphere, cosmic rays, solar radiation, and even distant stars.

2. Technical Test Satellites: These satellites test new aerospace technologies, materials, and instruments. Before applying new principles or launching new satellites, rigorous testing in space is essential. Technical test satellites pave the way for advancements.

3. Application Satellites: These are the workhorses that serve humanity directly. They come in various forms, including communication satellites that keep us connected, meteorological satellites that predict the weather, and navigation satellites that guide us. Earth resource satellites help monitor our planet's health and resources.

Satellites have become an integral part of our modern lives, enabling everything from communication to navigation, and advancing our understanding of the cosmos. With continued innovation, their impact on our daily existence is bound to grow even more significant.