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Technically - they're constantly falling !... They're placed in a high enough orbit so that their forward speed counteracts the (much reduced) effect of gravity.

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Why don't satellites in orbit fall to the ground why don't the fly off in space?

that is because the 0 gravity keeps it in space and the orbit brings them around without knocking them down or anywhere else


Why do satellites not fall to earth?

Satellites do not fall to Earth because they are in a state of free fall while traveling at high speeds in a low Earth orbit. This balance between their forward velocity and the gravitational pull of the Earth creates a continuous curve in their trajectory, allowing them to "fall" around the Earth rather than directly towards it. As a result, they maintain a stable orbit instead of crashing to the ground.


Is a satellite circling the Earth above the atmosphere in free fall?

Yes, a satellite in orbit around Earth is essentially in a state of continuous free fall. The gravitational pull of the Earth keeps the satellite in orbit, causing it to continuously fall towards the Earth's surface while also moving forward at a speed that prevents it from actually colliding with the ground.


Why don't satellites fly into space?

Satellites, by definition, are in orbit. Which means that they're circling their host (planet). IF you were to increase their speed enough, they would. (And if you slowed it enough, then they would fall to the ground.)


How do the Spacecraft float?

Spacecraft float in space due to the lack of gravity pulling them down. They are in a state of continuous free fall around the Earth, causing them to orbit rather than fall back to the ground. This creates the sensation of floating for astronauts inside the spacecraft.

Related Questions

Why dont satellites in orbit fall to the ground like a ball in orbit?

They're given enough tangential velocity ('sideways' speed, parallel to the earth's surface) so that the curve of the earth falls away just as fast as the satellite falls.


Why don't satelittes in orbit fall to the ground?

They are falling but their horizontal motion means that their fall and the curvature of the Earth match so the continually miss the Earth.


Why don't satellies in orbit fall to the ground why don't they fly off into space?

Because it have some gravity from space.


Do astronauts in orbit around the earth experience the same gravitational force as they do on ground?

Yes, but they do not "feel" gravity, because they are falling - "free fall" in orbit around the Earth.


Why don't satellites in orbit fall to the ground why don't the fly off in space?

that is because the 0 gravity keeps it in space and the orbit brings them around without knocking them down or anywhere else


Is an orbit formed by combining forward motion and free fall?

Kind of, yes. It's a balance between orbital velocity, which is the high speed relative to the ground, and gravity, which is the force keeping the object in orbit.


Why do satellites not fall to earth?

Satellites do not fall to Earth because they are in a state of free fall while traveling at high speeds in a low Earth orbit. This balance between their forward velocity and the gravitational pull of the Earth creates a continuous curve in their trajectory, allowing them to "fall" around the Earth rather than directly towards it. As a result, they maintain a stable orbit instead of crashing to the ground.


What does plummeted to earth means?

It usually means that you were in the sky or orbit, and Earth's gravity caused you to fall through the air towards the ground. Basically, falling out of the sky. Which, you most likely would not survive if you hit the ground.


What does plummeted earth mean?

It usually means that you were in the sky or orbit, and Earth's gravity caused you to fall through the air towards the ground. Basically, falling out of the sky. Which, you most likely would not survive if you hit the ground.


Why do you carry a microscope by the arm and base?

so you dont touch the lenses and get smears on them and so that the device does not fall and break on the ground


Why is it easy to fall over on an icy day?

it is easy to fall on a icy day because the ground is very slippy and our shoes dont always have good enouhg grips for the ice.


Do satellites in orbit around Earth continuously fall toward earth?

Satellites orbit the earth for a few years then fall to earth however they are directed to fall to the sea