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The Science of Satellites: Where They Work: In order for a satellite to remain in orbit around the earth two factors must be equal. The first factor is the gravitational pull of the Earth towards the center off the Earth which is called centripetal force. The second force is the velocity, or speed, at which the satellite is moving. The force created by the velocity of the satellite is called the centrifugal force. These two forces have to be equal in order for a satellite to continue to orbit the Earth. There are three common types of orbits that are used for satellites. The first is called low Earth orbit which means that the satellite follows a path along the equator that is relatively close to the Earth. The second orbit is called geostationary orbit. It is called this because the satellite moves at the same speed as the Earth so it appears to be stationary, or not moving. This pattern is also follows around the path of the equator but it is much farther from the Earth’s surface than the low orbit. The third type of orbit is called highly elliptical orbit. In this orbit a satellite goes from being very close to the Earth at some times to very far away at others. This path is also closer to a vertical orbit unlike the other two orbits. These are the common paths for satellites to follow when orbiting the Earth.
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