satellites

Satellites By: Karleigh ** A** ** satellite is any object that orbits Earth, the sun, or any other massive body. There are both natural and man-made satellites in space. Many satellites orbit the Earth, and there are a few different reasons for why they do so. The military, telecommunication companies, and the scientific communities all use satellites, each for specific and different reasons. Low orbit and high orbit are the two types of satellites. Low orbit satellites circle earth at 100-1000 nautical miles above Earths surface. Their purpose is to take close up and detailed photos of Earth. High orbit satellites circle more than 5000 nautical miles above Earths surface. This is too far for detailed pictures of Earth, but it is used to transmit and receive data from many points on Earth at any time. *Near Earth Orbiting Satellites, ** [] ***Satellites, ** [] ** Gravity is the only force that acts on a satellite. The force of gravity is the reason that satellites remain in orbit. It provides the centripetal force needed for the satellite to move in a circular motion. A satellite is acted upon by the force of gravity, which causes it to accelerate towards Earth. A satellite would move in a straight line path tangent to the Earth in the absence of gravity. In the absence of any forces, an object in motion, such as a satellite, would continue in motion with the same speed and in the same direction. This is known as the Law of Inertia. According to [Multimedia Physics Studios,** []**]****, the force of gravity acts upon a high speed satellite to deviate its trajectory from a straight-line inertial path. A satellite is accelerating towards Earth due to the force of gravity. **
 * *The Physics Classroom Tutorial, ** []

 **The U.S.A Space Shuttle and International Space Station are both great examples of satellites orbiting Earth. This picture tells some facts about the International Space Station. The website gives more information about it. These were taken from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canavral in Florida.**
 * *Photo taken by: Karleigh Rose **
 * Photo taken by: Karleigh Rose**** *Aviation Spectator,[]  **