Prev. Answer : A satellite does not need fuel to keep orbiting because it continues to orbit due to its inertia, which balances the effect of Earth's gravity.
Improved Answer : Satellites with no atmospheric interactions IDEALLY revolve around the Earth due to inertia, BUT most satellites ARE FUELLED because :
(1) some of them have elliptical orbits that may bring them close to the atmosphere during their orbits (for example Molniya orbits).
(2) satellites are affected by third body gravitational interactions (Sun, Moon) that affect their position (orbital altitude) every time they complete one revolution.
(3) Solar radiation pressure can cause a deviation in path over one complete revolution.
(4) Meteoric rock particles may hit the satellite causing orbit deviation.
In fact, the major factor is usually the effect of atmospheric drag.
Hence, most satellites are fuelled to correct their deviations in position, averaged over one complete revolution, by giving optimum thrust, decided by Navigation & Control team at station in Earth.
because of the gravitional pull of the universe..and the alignment of the asteroids...
The centripetal force acts towards the center of the circular path followed by the satellite, allowing it to maintain its orbit. In the case of a satellite orbiting Earth, the force of gravity provides the centripetal force required to keep the satellite in its orbit.
Actually, satellites require fuel to keep them in the correct position. When a satellite runs out of fuel, they launch a new one. Airplanes use fuel to give them enough speed to provide the lift that keeps them in the air.
Yes, a satellite in orbit requires fuel to make adjustments to its trajectory or maintain its position. However, satellites in geostationary orbit can maintain their position without fuel because they orbit above the same location on Earth.
A satellite in orbit maintains its speed and trajectory due to its momentum and gravitational forces. Once in space, where there is no air resistance to slow it down, a satellite can orbit without the need for additional fuel. Exceptions include satellites that require positional adjustments or propulsion for specific maneuvers.
Gravity is the primary force that governs the motion of a satellite orbiting the Earth. It pulls the satellite towards the Earth, providing the necessary centripetal force to keep it in a curved path. The balance between this gravitational pull and the satellite's forward velocity allows it to maintain a stable orbit, preventing it from falling back to Earth while continuously moving along its orbital path. If gravity were to change significantly, it could alter the satellite's orbit, potentially leading to a collision with the Earth or escape from its orbit altogether.
No, centripetal force is the force required to keep an object moving in a circular path, while gravitational force is the force of attraction between two objects due to their mass. In the case of a satellite orbiting a planet, the centripetal force required to keep the satellite in orbit is provided by the gravitational force between the satellite and the planet.
Not quite. Forever is a long time! If the satellite is high enough to make air resistance irrelevant, it can stay in orbit for a long, long time. However, orbits do tend to decay eventually; an orbiting object will lose some energy through air resistance, and - in the very long term - through gravitational waves. It is also possible that an object that comes close to Earth changes the orbit of orbiting satellites.
Yes.
Satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) must travel fast to continue orbiting the Earth without falling back down due to gravity. The high speed helps to balance the force of gravity to keep the satellite in orbit. Additionally, the fast speed allows the satellite to complete its orbit around the Earth in a relatively short amount of time.
No. Once the satellite is placed in orbit, its momentum will keep it orbiting along its original path - more of less. "More or less" means: 1. The satellite may need minute adjustments to its position, so that it can photograph its intended targets (stars/planets, the earth), or can keep in contact with its intended radio/television/mobile phone services, and 2. A satellite's orbit will slowly decay, and the satellite would eventually come into the outer atmosphere, begin to slow down, and burn up as its orbit brought it into denser air. For both these reasons, satellites may use small "positioning" thrusters to steer and to regain orbital speed.
gravity and inertia