How satellites move

Satellites move around Earth in a variety of ways, depending on their specific mission and the type of orbit they are in.


Most satellites are placed into orbit around Earth using a rocket, which gives them the initial velocity and altitude needed to stay in orbit. Once in orbit, the satellite's motion is controlled by the combination of its velocity, the pull of Earth's gravity, and the shape of its orbit.


The three main types of orbits are:


Geostationary orbit: This type of orbit is located about 35,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) above Earth's equator, and is used by satellites that need to stay in a fixed location relative to the Earth's surface. Satellites in a geostationary orbit appear to be stationary in the sky, because they are orbiting at the same speed that Earth is turning.


Low Earth orbit: This type of orbit is located at an altitude of less than 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) above Earth's surface, and is used by satellites that need to be close to the Earth's surface for tasks such as imaging, communication, and weather monitoring. Satellites in a low Earth orbit will appear to move across the sky, because they are orbiting at a lower speed than Earth's rotational speed.


Polar orbit: This type of orbit is located at an altitude of several hundred kilometers above the Earth's surface, and is used by satellites that need to view the Earth's entire surface. Satellites in a polar orbit pass over both the North and South Poles, and will appear to move across the sky in a north-south direction.


Satellites use a variety of techniques to adjust their orbits and control their motion, including using their engines to change their velocity and using their attitude control systems to change their orientation.





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