SOLAR SYSTEM

Detailed explanation-1: -For an object (mass, m) in the gravitational field of the earth (Mass, M) the potential energy is usually expressed as: U = – GMm/r. (This energy is going up from a negative value towards zero as r gets larger.) If the object is in a circular orbit: F = GMm/(r2)=m(v2)/r.

Detailed explanation-2: -Is it possible to place a satellite in geostationary orbit over the north pole? No, a geostationary orbit must be in the plane of the Earth’s equator. That way, by matching its orbital speed with the speed of a point on the equator, the moving satellite appears to be stationary over that point.

Detailed explanation-3: -In addition to height, eccentricity and inclination also shape a satellite’s orbit. Eccentricity refers to the shape of the orbit. A satellite with a low eccentricity orbit moves in a near circle around the Earth.

Detailed explanation-4: -A spacecraft in orbit is not beyond the reach of Earth’s gravity. In fact, gravity is what holds it in orbit-without gravity, the spacecraft would fly off in a straight path. As the spacecraft orbits, it is actually falling, though it never reaches the ground.