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The concept of a satellite orbiting the Earth has become increasingly familiar in the modern world. From communication and weather satellites to global positioning systems (GPS), these technological marvels have revolutionized the way we live and explore the planet. One question that often arises is how long it takes for a satellite to complete an orbit around the Earth. Let’s delve into this intriguing subject.
To understand the time it takes for a satellite to orbit the Earth, we must first explore the concept of an orbit. An orbit is the path an object takes as it revolves around a larger celestial body due to gravitational forces. In the case of a satellite, it is circling the Earth while being pulled by Earth’s gravity.
The time it takes for a satellite to complete one orbit is known as its orbital period. The orbital period depends on the height of the satellite’s orbit, which is commonly referred to as its altitude. Satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), typically used for communication and Earth observation, are situated around 160 to 2,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. These satellites have an orbital period of approximately 90 minutes.
The International Space Station (ISS), which orbits the Earth in LEO, takes roughly 90 minutes to complete one orbit. It travels at an approximate speed of 28,000 kilometers per hour, covering a distance of about 171,000 kilometers during each orbit. Astronauts living aboard the ISS witness striking sunrises and sunsets every 45 minutes due to the rapid pace of their orbits.
Moving further out, satellites in a medium Earth orbit (MEO) situate themselves at higher altitudes, usually between 2,000 and 36,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. The Global Positioning System (GPS) navigational satellites are in MEO. With an average orbital period of around 12 hours, these satellites take more time to complete one lap around the Earth.
Lastly, we have satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO), which are situated at an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometers. Unlike LEO and MEO satellites, which constantly move, GEO satellites are positioned directly above the equator. They have an orbital period of around 24 hours, making them appear stationary from the Earth’s surface. These satellites are commonly used for television broadcasting, weather monitoring, and telecommunications.
It is important to note that the speed of a satellite’s orbit depends on the balance between gravitational pull and its tendency to move straight ahead in inertial motion. These forces create a circular trajectory, with the satellite continuously falling toward the Earth but never getting any closer. This phenomenon is what allows satellites to remain in orbit without crashing into the Earth.
In conclusion, the time it takes for a satellite to complete an orbit around the Earth depends on its altitude. Satellites in low Earth orbit take about 90 minutes to orbit the Earth, while those in medium and geostationary orbits take around 12 hours and 24 hours, respectively. Understanding these orbital periods is crucial for various applications, including communication, navigation, and weather forecasting. Satellites have truly revolutionized our world, and their remarkable journeys around the Earth continue to unlock endless possibilities.
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