Will Radial Escape Velocity Launch a Satellite Into Orbit?

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SUMMARY

A satellite launched with escape velocity perpendicular to the Earth will not enter orbit. Escape velocity, defined as the minimum speed needed to break free from a celestial body's gravitational influence, ensures that any object traveling at this speed will escape Earth's gravity rather than achieve a stable orbit. Additionally, such a trajectory would lead to disintegration due to atmospheric friction. Only trajectories with lower velocities can result in a return to Earth, provided their direction is altered.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of escape velocity and its implications
  • Basic knowledge of orbital mechanics
  • Familiarity with gravitational forces and trajectories
  • Awareness of atmospheric effects on spacecraft
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of orbital mechanics and stable orbits
  • Learn about the effects of atmospheric drag on satellite trajectories
  • Study the differences between escape velocity and orbital velocity
  • Explore real-world applications of escape velocity in satellite launches
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Aerospace engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in satellite dynamics and space exploration.

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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