Positioning of the artificial satellite

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on how artificial satellites are positioned in orbit around the Earth, exploring the mechanics of launch, orbital parameters, and the selection of specific orbits based on satellite purpose. The scope includes technical explanations and conceptual clarifications related to satellite deployment.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that a rocket is used to lift a satellite and increase its azimuthal velocity to achieve the necessary orbital parameters.
  • Another participant elaborates that the energy and angular momentum of the satellite must match the desired orbit's parameters at a tangent point.
  • A further contribution notes that the selection of specific orbits depends on the satellite's purpose, citing examples such as geostationary orbits for communication satellites and constellations for GPS satellites.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the role of rockets in launching satellites and the importance of matching orbital parameters, but there is no consensus on the specifics of orbital selection processes.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the mechanics of orbital insertion and the definitions of specific orbital types may not be fully articulated, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities involved in orbital dynamics.

aqua_s
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how is an artificial satellite set on an orbit around the earth?
 
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aqua_s said:
how is an artificial satellite set on an orbit around the earth?

Well, a rocket.

Can you be more specific?
 
aqua_s said:
how is an artificial satellite set on an orbit around the earth?
As DaveC mentioned a rocket is used to 1) lift a satellite radially in the gravitational field, and 2) increase it's azimuthal (centrifugal) velocity. The energy and angular momentum of the satellited at the end of the launch trajectory has to match orbital parameters at some tanget to the desired orbit. A satellite can be maneuvered with thrusters, but bascially, it is a matter of achieving the right orbital parameters for given orbit.

See some basic mechanics here -
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/orbit.html
 
If the question is intended to be asking how specific orbits are picked, they are based on the purpose of the satellite. Ie, a DirecTV satellite needs to be stationary so that people can point their dishes at it, so they locate the satellites in geostationary orbit. GPS needs several satellites in different locations to give a position, so they use a constellation of around 24 satellites going in different directions to keep a few in view at all times.
 
thnku for all the answers :-)
 

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