Investigating Satellites and Orbits

Flashcards covering satellite functions, low Earth orbit characteristics, and orbital mechanics from the lecture notes.

Satellites are used for various purposes, ranging from communication and navigation to __________ and collecting data.

monitoring

Most satellites used for scientific purposes have a __________ orbit.

low Earth

Low Earth orbit is located __________ above Earth's surface, just at the top of the atmosphere.

$160$ to $2,000\,\text{kilometers}$

The distance between Earth and the satellite determines the gravitational force acting on the satellite as well as the __________ of the orbit.

velocity

A satellite that provides information to Global Positioning Systems (GPS) traveling at an altitude of $26,560\,\text{kilometers}$ will take __________ to complete one orbit around Earth.

$$12\,\text{hours}$$

A satellite traveling at a low Earth orbit of $705\text{-kilometer}$ altitude can travel at __________.

$$27,500\,\text{kilometers per hour}$$