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.
人工衛星を打ち上げた。
They launched an artificial satellite.
GPS信号は人工衛星から送られている。
GPS signals are transmitted from artificial satellites.
地球の周りには数千もの人工衛星が軌道を回っている。
Thousands of artificial satellites are orbiting around the Earth.
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 NOTES:
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).