5. Orbital velocity

Artificial satellites are designed to revolve in orbit at the height of a few hundred kilometres above the Earth. The friction due to air is negligible at this height.

 

 

The artificial satellite is carried to the desired height with the help of a rocket. Then, the satellite is released horizontally with a high velocity so that it is constantly moving in a circular orbit.

For example, the required orbital velocity is slightly more than \(27,400\ km/h\) at an altitude of \(200\ kilometres\) above Earth. The same orbital speed and distance allow the satellite to complete one revolution in \(24\ hours\).

 

Since the rotation of the Earth is \(24\ hours\), a satellite also remains in a fixed position relative to a point on the Earth’s surface. The orbit in which the satellite stays over the same spot all the time is known as Geostationary.