From space, the life-giving sweep of the Nile River is obvious.

By Laura Freeman

The next time you look up into the night sky and notice a satellite sailing across a sea of stars, remember this: There's a good chance it may be looking right back at you. Ever since Sputnik soared beyond the stratosphere in 1957, satellites have been revolutionizing communications and our understanding of the heavens. But today, a new capability called remote sensing has these world-wandering artificial stars poised to transform archaeology, medicine, and public health.

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