What is the primary purpose of satellites in space?

Satellites primarily serve multiple functions, but their critical role in providing communication services stands out as one of the most essential. These satellites facilitate the transmission of data, voice, and video signals across vast distances, enabling modern telecommunication networks. This communication capability includes services such as television broadcasting, internet connectivity, and mobile phone networks, which are vital for daily communication and information exchange in our technologically driven world.

While exploring other planets is a significant aspect of space research and involves specific types of spacecraft, it is not the primary purpose of the vast majority of satellites. Similarly, launching crewed missions is primarily the domain of space agencies using specialized vehicles designed for human spaceflight, rather than satellites themselves. Managing auxiliary power may be a function relevant to certain components of space missions, but it is not a core responsibility of satellites. Thus, the function of providing communication services encompasses the most universally recognized and impactful role of satellites in space.