astronomy satellite - a satellite equipped with a telescope to observe infra-red radiation

communications satellite - an artificial satellite that relays signals back to earth; moves in a geostationary orbit

equipment - an instrumentality needed for an undertaking or to perform a service

solar array, solar battery, solar panel - electrical device consisting of a large array of connected solar cells

ballistic capsule, space vehicle, spacecraft - a craft capable of traveling in outer space; technically, a satellite around the sun

space laboratory, space platform, space station - a manned artificial satellite in a fixed orbit designed for scientific research

sputnik - a Russian artificial satellite; "Sputnik was the first man-made satellite to orbit the earth"

spy satellite - a satellite with sensors to detect nuclear explosions

meteorological satellite, weather satellite - a satellite that transmits frequent picture of the earth below