Which is an example of an artificial satellite?

Study for the IGCSE Physics Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations, and prepare thoroughly for your assessment.

An artificial satellite is a human-made object that is intentionally placed into orbit around a celestial body, typically Earth. The International Space Station (ISS) is a prime example of this, as it was constructed and launched by multiple space agencies and serves various scientific purposes in low Earth orbit.

In contrast, natural objects that exist in space without human intervention—such as the Moon, which is a natural satellite of Earth, and comets, which are icy celestial bodies—do not qualify as artificial satellites. Additionally, meteorites are remnants of meteoroids that have entered Earth's atmosphere and are subsequently found on the surface, not objects that orbit a planet or celestial body. Hence, the ISS is the only option that accurately fits the definition of an artificial satellite.

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