Will Radial Escape Velocity Launch a Satellite Into Orbit?

AI Thread Summary
A satellite launched with escape velocity perpendicular to the Earth will not enter orbit; instead, it will escape Earth's gravitational influence. Escape velocity is defined as the speed needed to break free from a celestial body's gravitational pull without returning. Any trajectory at or above escape velocity means the satellite cannot maintain a stable orbit. Additionally, a satellite traveling at escape velocity would likely disintegrate due to atmospheric friction. Thus, achieving escape velocity does not result in orbiting the Earth.
Yatin
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If we provide a satellite with escape velocity perpendicular to the earth(radially), would it start orbiting it?
 
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Yatin said:
If we provide a satellite with escape velocity perpendicular to the earth(radially), would it start orbiting it?
No. Do you understand what escape velocity is?
I'm guessing that you were shown escape velocity as it applied to a horizontal trajectory. But any trajectory that does not collide with anything will result in escape.
 
If it is traveling at escape velocity, it is by definition not able to maintain a stable orbit and must eventually escape from the Earth's field of gravity.
 
No, it would quickly disintegrate due to friction with the Earth's atmosphere.

Disregarding that fact: No, if it has escape velocity or higher it will never return to Earth. If it has a lower velocity, it will (unless you change its direction at some point).
 

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