The work done by an artificial satellite

[HLAung]

The work done by an artificial satellite in an orbit in a day is equal to the total energy produced, utilized and stored by the satellite during that day.

 

[anuttarasammyak]

What kind of work done by an artificial satellite are you thinking of ?

 

[jedishrfu]

A satellite in orbit doesnt really do any work. It just orbits. Many satellites have power banks or some sort of battery that has a finite lifespan.

However, there are satellites that use solar panels to absorb energy from the sun. Its enough to power their systems and keep them operational but not much more than that.

 

[Baluncore]

Satellites do work on atmospheric gas molecules that get in their way.

Those molecules stick to the satellite and so must also be accelerated to the satellite velocity. That kinetic energy comes from the satellite's potential energy, so it orbits lower.

But a lower orbit requires a greater orbital velocity, so it orbits even lower and faster, which means it encounters more gas molecules, more often. In the end, it burns up at its highest speed, in the upper atmosphere.

 

[Janus]

"Work" is being used in two ways here: In the physics sense, and in the common usage sense. Similarly, I can work all day trying to remove a large rock in my yard, but at the end of the day have done no work on it as I haven't budged it a bit.