[rdouglass]

I don't use sat's at planets myself, but the AI seems to launch them (from a planet) in combat. They are not in orbit at the beginning of combat but show up on the AI's first strategic or tactical combat turn. You may have to click on the planet to select it, then use one of the buttons to give the planet the Launch Sats command. (I don't remember what the button label is - I'm at work right now).