Planets, Satellites, and orbits

• Geostationary satellites match the orbit speed of Earth of 24hrs, so it basically does not move.
• Uses of a Geostationary Satellite:

  • Communications
  • Satellite TV
  • Weather Forecasting
  • GPS
• Polar Orbit Satellites that orbit from and to the North and South Poles in low orbit
• Uses of Polar Orbit Satellites:

  • Observing Earth's Surface
  • Military uses (spying)
  • Monitor Weather
• The direction of the force of gravity on the satellite is towards the centre of mass of the Earth
• The velocity of a satellite continually changes as the directions change every turn