1. a satellite that orbits another satellite rather than a planet
Usage: astronomy

Examples

• The moon’s subsatellite would complete its orbit in just a few hours.
• Scientists discovered evidence of a small subsatellite circling the larger moon.
• The spacecraft deployed a subsatellite to study the magnetic field around the main satellite.
• Researchers are investigating whether any natural subsatellites exist in our solar system.
• The subsatellite transmitted data back to the primary satellite before losing contact.