• Satellite technology: applied sciencesatellite image by Clark Duffy from Fotolia.com
  
  In the 50+ years since the Soviets launched the first Sputnik, satellite technology has bloomed in a manner similar to the computer. Like computers, satellite technology affects our daily lives. Unlike computers, most people do not understand the basic concepts of satellites, and how and why they work.
  
  Science Fair projects on satellites may demonstrate the basic concepts of satellite paths, signal reflection and signal reception.
  
  

Signal Reflection

• Demonstrate how a signal can be bounced off of a third point to reach a target with a blocked line-of-sight. This can be done as a Science Fair project by using visible light to simulate a microwave signal bounced to a point out of the line-of-sight.
  
  On one side of a large half-globe, mount a laser pointer as a signal source. On the opposite side of the half-globe, mount a light sensor as the signal receiver. Hang a mirror over the globe to represent a satellite. Adjust the mirror so the laser bounces off of the mirror and on to the light sensor. Have the sensor trigger a bell to show the signal has been received.
  
  

Satellite Maps

• Satellite orbits make a difference on which parts of the Earth the satellite will pass over. This can be shown in a Science Fair project by plotting a satellite path over a map of the Earth.
  
  On a Mercator Map (flat map representation of the globe), trace the paths of satellites in several different orbits (polar, equatorial, elliptical, other). Show how a few satellites might offer full coverage of the planet using only a few different orbital paths.
  
  

Signal Strength

• The existence of satellites in orbit is of little value unless something is received on the ground from the satellites. For a Science Fair project, show how microwave signals are received on the ground.
  
  Use a satellite antenna (with remote drive) and a signal receiver connected to a power meter to show how an antenna can "zero-in" on a satellite. Use the signal strength reading to remotely adjust the antenna for the highest power reading. Change frequencies and zero-in on another satellite signal to show how satellite signals can be tuned in.