A satellite is an object which orbits another. An orbit is the curved path that an object in space takes around another object.
The Moon is a natural satellite of the Earth. The Earth is a natural satellite of the Sun. But there are artificial satellites as well. Human-made objects that have been launched into space. Many of these orbit the Earth. Though some space probes orbit other planets (like Mars) or the Moon.
So how do satellites stay in orbit? Use the animations on this page to experiment and find out.
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Have a look at the picture to the left and imagine you are holding the satellite up above the Earth.
What do you think will happen if you 'let go'? Press the Start button to see. That's right! Gravity makes the satellite fall straight down to the surface. |
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This time, you are going to give the satellite a push in the direction of the red arrow.
Try it and see what happens. (Press Start) Although the satellite still crashed into the Earth, it moved around the surface a bit, rather than falling straight down. If you pushed harder when you let go, it would get even further around before it crashed. |
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Let's try giving the satellite a really big push (shown by the big red arrow).
Can you guess what is going to happen here? (Press Start) The satellite is still falling because of gravity, but the big push stopped it from getting any closer to the Earth. In fact, it will keep going on for ever! In other words, it is in orbit. |
[This demonstration uses JavaScript]