Communication Satellites by Carmen Atwell Today, it is hard to imagine a life where people are not surfing the Internet, watching television, or using their cell phones to call or send text messages. However, none of these activities were possible before the existence of communication satellites. These satellites have made it possible to watch television and use devices like laptops, tablets, cell phones, and more. Before the use of satellites, transmissions were difficult or impossible for long distances. Signals, which travel in straight lines, could not bend around Earth to reach a destination far away. Because satellites orbit Earth, signals are sent immediately into space and are then redirected to another satellite or are sent directly to their destination. Unlike other man-made satellites, communication satellites remain stationary, which allows them to transmit signals in that area. The area to which the communication satellite can transmit signals is called a satellite's footprint. Communication satellites are important for remote areas that do not have access to traditional landlines for telephone or Internet services. These satellites provide faster Internet and access to information from all around the world. Communication satellites help transport telephone signals, data, or television transmissions to almost anywhere. These satellites are used for things like making an international phone call or enabling access to over 150 channels on television. People can access news from around the world or watch videos in an instant because of the power of these satellites. In a way, communication satellites are like Atlas carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. Without them, the world would cease to function, and the easiest and best forms of communication would end completely. Can you imagine life without communication? I surely cannot. As a child, I often saw my grandparents and family communicating with each other through letters. However, writing and delivering letters was a slow and tedious process. Gradually, people began to use electronic devices like the television and radio for entertainment. I often wondered how those sounds and pictures appeared on the electronic devices. It was later that I understood that a special type of satellite launched into space made it possible to listen to the radio or watch TV. Indeed, communication satellites have become an essential part of our lives. 5 Read the sentence from the passage. "Communication satellites help transport telephone signals, data, or television transmissions to almost anywhere." What is the meaning of the word transmissions? A. images B. rays C. devices D. broadcasts

 Today, it is hard to imagine a life where people are not surfing the Internet, watching television, or using their cell phones to call or send text messages. However, none of these activities were possible before the existence of communication satellites. These satellites have made it possible to watch television and use devices like laptops, tablets, cell phones, and more. Before the use of satellites, transmissions were difficult or impossible for long distances. Signals, which travel in straight lines, could not bend around Earth to reach a destination far away. Because satellites orbit Earth, signals are sent immediately into space and are then redirected to another satellite or are sent directly to their destination.
 Unlike other man-made satellites, communication satellites remain stationary, which allows them to transmit signals in that area. The area to which the communication satellite can transmit signals is called a satellite's footprint. Communication satellites are important for remote areas that do not have access to traditional landlines for telephone or Internet services. These satellites provide faster Internet and access to information from all around the world.
 Communication satellites help transport telephone signals, data, or television transmissions to almost anywhere. These satellites are used for things like making an international phone call or enabling access to over 150 channels on television. People can access news from around the world or watch videos in an instant because of the power of these satellites. In a way, communication satellites are like Atlas carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. Without them, the world would cease to function, and the easiest and best forms of communication would end completely.
 Can you imagine life without communication? I surely cannot. As a child, I often saw my grandparents and family communicating with each other through letters. However, writing and delivering letters was a slow and tedious process. Gradually, people began to use electronic devices like the television and radio for entertainment. I often wondered how those sounds and pictures appeared on the electronic devices. It was later that I understood that a special type of satellite launched into space made it possible to listen to the radio or watch TV. Indeed, communication satellites have become an essential part of our lives.