How does gravity help a satellite in orbit?

Answer 1

If you imagine shooting a cannon at a horizontal level, you will see that the cannonball curves toward the Earth as it accelerates "downward" (i.e. toward Earth's surface.)

Now imagine this on a much bigger scale; as the object moves forward, it also get pulled down toward the Earth. Since the Earth itself is curved, the cannonball would never hit the ground. If it was going fast enough, it would simply fall into orbit.

For an illustration to accompany this, see:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/Newton_Cannon.svg

Answer 2

Gravity keeps the satellite in orbit by pulling it towards the center of the Earth, allowing the satellite to maintain a stable path around the planet. This gravitational force acts as a centripetal force, balancing the inertia of the satellite and preventing it from flying off into space.

Answer 3

Earths gravity