# geodetic satellite

> artificial satellite used in the research and application of geodesy

**Wikidata**: [Q1502863](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1502863)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/geodetic-satellite

## Summary
A geodetic satellite is an artificial satellite designed for scientific research in geodesy, the study of Earth's shape, gravity field, and rotation. These satellites help measure and map Earth's surface with high precision. They are a specialized subclass of research satellites.

## Key Facts
- Geodetic satellites are artificial satellites used in the research and application of geodesy.
- They are classified as a subclass of research satellites.
- The term "geodesic satellite" is an alias for geodetic satellite.
- Geodetic satellites have a GND ID of 4156673-7.
- They are described in Wikidata as "artificial satellite used in the research and application of geodesy."
- Geodetic satellites have sitelinks in German (de), Latvian (lv), and Polish (pl) Wikipedia.
- The topic's main category is "Category:Geodetic satellites."
- Notable examples include LAGEOS-1, LAGEOS-2, Starlette, and the GEOS series.
- The Great Russian Encyclopedia Online ID for geodetic satellites is 2351759.
- Geodetic satellites have a Google Knowledge Graph ID of /g/121c9qlf.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a geodetic satellite used for?
A: A geodetic satellite is used for scientific research in geodesy, helping to measure and map Earth's shape, gravity field, and rotation with high precision.

### Q: How is a geodetic satellite different from other satellites?
A: Geodetic satellites are specialized research satellites focused specifically on geodesy, unlike communication or navigation satellites which serve other purposes.

### Q: What are some examples of geodetic satellites?
A: Examples include LAGEOS-1 and LAGEOS-2 (USA/Italy), Starlette (France), and the GEOS series of satellites.

## Why It Matters
Geodetic satellites play a crucial role in our understanding of Earth's physical properties and dynamics. By providing precise measurements of Earth's shape, gravity field, and rotational characteristics, these satellites enable accurate mapping, support navigation systems, and contribute to climate research. They help scientists monitor tectonic plate movements, sea level changes, and glacial isostatic adjustment. The data from geodetic satellites is essential for global positioning systems (GPS), disaster management, and infrastructure development. Without geodetic satellites, our ability to measure and understand Earth's changing surface would be severely limited, impacting everything from scientific research to everyday navigation.

## Notable For
- Specialized focus on geodesy, a unique niche among artificial satellites
- Contribution to highly accurate Earth measurement and mapping
- Support for global positioning and navigation systems
- Long-term monitoring of Earth's physical changes
- International collaboration, as seen in missions like LAGEOS involving multiple countries

## Body
### Classification and Purpose
Geodetic satellites are a specialized class of artificial satellites designed specifically for geodesy research. They fall under the broader category of research satellites and are used to study Earth's shape, gravitational field, and rotational dynamics.

### Notable Missions and Satellites
Several significant geodetic satellite missions have been launched:
- LAGEOS-1 (1976) and LAGEOS-2 (1992): Laser Geodynamics Satellites used for geodynamics research
- Starlette (1975): A French geodetic satellite for Earth's gravity field studies
- GEOS series: Multiple satellites dedicated to geodetic research
- GFZ 1: A German satellite for geoscientific research

### Technical Aspects
Geodetic satellites typically carry retroreflectors that allow ground-based lasers to measure the satellite's position with extreme accuracy. This enables precise determination of Earth's shape and gravitational anomalies. Many geodetic satellites are placed in high, stable orbits to maximize their usefulness for long-term measurements.

### International Collaboration
Geodetic satellite research often involves international cooperation. For example, LAGEOS-2 was a joint project between NASA and the Italian Space Agency. This collaboration allows for sharing of resources and data, leading to more comprehensive Earth studies.

### Applications
The data from geodetic satellites is used in:
- Global Positioning System (GPS) calibration
- Earthquake and volcano monitoring
- Sea level rise tracking
- Tectonic plate movement measurement
- Climate change research

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "geodetic satellite",
  "description": "artificial satellite used in the research and application of geodesy",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodetic_satellite",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1234567",
    "https://www.gnd.de/4156673-7"
  ],
  "additionalType": "research satellite"
}