Spacecraft Type

Earth observation satellite

class

artificial satellite specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit

space tug

class

spacecraft vehicle designed to move the payload from a reference orbit to the target orbit, or direc

amateur radio satellite

class

type of satellite that transmits amateur radio

high throughput satellite

class

type of communications satellite

satellite dispenser

class

spacecraft designed to release smaller payloads into their designated orbit

technology demonstration spacecraft

class

spacecraft used to demonstrate experimental technologies

research satellite

class

artificial satellite designed for scientific research

spin-stabilised satellite

class

type of satellite which uses spin stabilization for attitude control

signals intelligence satellite

class

type of military satellite focused on intelligence gathering

payload hosting satellite

class

spacecraft which hosts third-party payloads

servicing spacecraft

class

spacecraft designed to refuel, repair, or boost the orbit of another spacecraft

synthetic aperture radar satellite

class

subclass of radar satellite focusing on SAR

geomagnetic satellite

class

satellite designed to monitor Earth's magnetosphere and related regions