1.
artificial satellite
A man-made object placed in orbit around the Earth or another celestial body, used for communication, observation, navigation, and scientific research.
Compound of 人工 (artificial) + 衛星 (satellite). Often shortened to 衛星 when the context is clear.
Common collocations
- 人工衛星を打ち上げる (to launch a satellite)
- 気象衛星 (weather satellite)
- 通信衛星 (communications satellite)
- 偵察衛星 (reconnaissance satellite)
- 衛星軌道 (satellite orbit)
Usage
In everyday conversation, 衛星 alone is often sufficient when referring to artificial satellites. The full form 人工衛星 is used to distinguish from 天然の衛星 (natural satellites, such as the Moon).