The design of booster_rockets and the development of high-quality scientific instruments also led to an increase in the number of different satellites.
Numerous astronomical satellites were developed, which provided accurate information about the formation of the "sun, moon and stars". Thus, for example, the Pioneer satellites were involved with investigating solar_winds, cosmic radiation and the electromagnetism of space.
The infrared-astronomy satellites (IRAS) were used for research in the hitherto hidden areas of space. Probably the largest device installed in space is the Hubble telescope set in place in 1990 by the spaceship Discovery, which is providing us with never-before seen images.
Apart from astronomical satellites, there are environment and Weather satellites in space, which provide the earth with information about cloud formations and temperatures.
They provide us with information on the soil quality, insect damage in forests or water pollution along the coasts. Further, they also help to discover new deposits of oil and minerals and to survey the ocean floor using radar.
Navigation satellites can be used to very accurately determine the position of ships and submarines at sea. In addition, there are now numerous communications satellites and news satellites.
