rafterman said:Homework Statement
why a more massive communications satellite doesn't orbit more slowly than a smaller one?
An orbiting satellite is a man-made object that revolves around a larger celestial body, such as a planet or a moon, in a regular and predictable path. Satellites are used for various purposes, including communication, navigation, and scientific research.
Orbiting satellites stay in orbit due to a balance between their speed and the gravitational pull of the celestial body they are orbiting. The speed of the satellite is determined by its altitude and the strength of the gravitational force. If the satellite's speed is too slow, it will fall towards the celestial body, and if it is too fast, it will fly off into space.
Orbiting satellites are launched into space using rockets, which provide the initial thrust needed to escape the Earth's gravitational pull. Once in space, the satellite's onboard propulsion system is used to maneuver it into its desired orbit.
There are several types of orbiting satellites, including geostationary, low Earth orbit, polar orbit, and sun-synchronous orbit. Geostationary satellites orbit above the Earth's equator at the same speed as the Earth's rotation, making them appear stationary from the ground. Low Earth orbit satellites orbit closer to the Earth and are used for communication and remote sensing. Polar orbit satellites pass over the Earth's poles, providing global coverage for weather and mapping purposes. Sun-synchronous orbit satellites follow a path that keeps them in constant sunlight, allowing for continuous solar power generation.
Some examples of orbiting satellites include the International Space Station, which is used for scientific research and space exploration, and the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, which provide navigation services. Other examples include weather satellites, communication satellites, and Earth observation satellites used for mapping and monitoring the planet.