EARTHKAMDaniel, Alex, Zak Group 3

Jacksonville Florida

Orbital Mechanics

Orbit An orbit is a fixed path in space that the spacecraft

follows. Depending on the mission, the size, shape, and orientation of an orbit will vary.

Satellite A satellite is any object in orbital motion (Sun,

Moon, Earth, spacecraft, and shuttle). The laws that determine the orbital motion of a satellite

are the same, no matter what larger body the satellite orbits.

The Earth's gravity determines the size and shape of the orbit of a nearby spacecraft.

The law of gravity requires that the spacecraft must orbit in a plane that passes through the center of the Earth.

Morocco

Aurora Borealis

Kerman Iran

North Korea

Mt. ST. Helens

Egypt

Italy

Cool Stuff

Aurora Borealis is caused by electrons interacting Earth the earth’s atmosphere.

Satellites can orbit the Earth from the gravitational pull that the earth has.

The sun and moon are considered satellites because they orbit an

object.