A Satellite city or town is a smaller municipality adjacent to a major city but independent. They are defined as a Satellite town because they were usually established as an independent town and had their own growth before the larger suburban growth took place.

Satellite towns will have their own historical districts, industrial areas, cultural amenities and attributes completely distinct from the larger town nearby. They will have some influences from the nearby metropolitan area but they will not be as strong as they would be for a suburban area.

Satellite towns will have stronger municipal governments than a suburban area and their own urban cores. Satellite towns will provide the same municipal services as the larger metropolitan areas and they will be self-sufficient.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org