How Do Artificial Satellites Stay in Orbit?
- Anvita Shrivastava
- Dec 18, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Artificial satellites are extremely important for modern life since they are involved in providing services that are very useful, such as GPS, weather prediction, Earth observation, and world communication. Satellites are placed in particular orbits where they proceed around the Earth and manage to keep precise speeds and altitudes. However, how do they keep moving in orbit without falling back to Earth or leaving it?
Understanding Orbit: Balance Between Gravity and Motion
There is an understanding of orbit as a continuous falling process towards Earth. While a satellite’s trajectory is determined by its forward velocity. On the one hand, the gravity of Earth accelerates the satellite towards its center. On the other hand, the forward speed is high enough so that the surface of the planet constantly falls below the satellite’s orbit, thus preventing the satellite from crashing into Earth.
Thus, the two characteristics of this process are important to be aware of:
The gravitational force of the Earth, as the gravity pulls the satellite towards its center.
The orbital velocity of a satellite, as the speed helps the satellite to stay in orbit instead of falling straight down to Earth.
The satellite can be considered a continuously falling body. It is always falling down to the planet while moving forward, thus creating its orbit around Earth.
In case the satellite loses its speed, it will gradually lower its orbit and become more elliptical. Moreover, should it gain speed, it can widen its orbit and, surpassing the escape velocity, completely break free from the force of Earth’s gravity.
Satellite Speed to Remain in Orbit
To maintain orbital reach, a satellite must have reached the velocity called orbital velocity.
Satellite and Orbital Velocity
Low-earth orbit (LEO) = 17,500 miles/hour (28,000 km/h)
Medium-earth orbit (MEO) = 8,700 miles/hour (14,000 km/h)
Geostationary orbit (GEO) = 6,900 miles/hour (11,000 km/h)
The orbital velocities listed above are the velocities at which the satellite will continue descending toward the surface of Earth, while at the same time, the planet's surface curves outward away from the satellite at the same velocity as its descent.
Types of Satellite Orbits
Different missions require different orbits. Each orbit is carefully selected based on altitude, inclination, and purpose.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Altitude Range: 160-2000 km
Applications: Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, International Space Station
Benefits: High Resolution, Reduced Latency
Drawbacks: Atmospheric Drag
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
Altitude Range: ~2000-35786 km
Applications: GNSS Systems (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS)
Offers a balance between coverage and signal strength
Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
Altitude Range: 35786 km
Applications: Weather, Communication, and Broadcasting
Preserving thus makes the satellite appear as a stationary object directly above the equator.
Why Satellites Don’t Need Constant Propulsion
Contrary to popular belief, satellites do not continuously fire engines to stay in orbit.
Once placed in orbit:
There is no significant air resistance.
Momentum keeps the satellite moving.
Gravity provides the centripetal force.
Small thrusters are only used for:
Orbit corrections
Station keeping
Attitude control
End-of-life deorbiting
How Drag Interferes With Satellites
Even in space, Earth’s atmosphere extends outward. In Low Earth Orbit, trace atmospheric particles create drag that slowly reduces a satellite’s speed.
Effects of Drag
Gradual altitude loss
Increased reentry risk
Requires periodic orbital boosts
The International Space Station and other satellites experience regular reboosts of their orbital altitudes to compensate for this drag effect.
The Role of Newton’s Laws of Motion
Satellites follow an orbital path defined by Newton's Laws of Motion; these laws include:
Newton's 1st Law: A Body Will Continue to Move at Constant Velocity Unless Another Body Appears to Change Its Direction or Speed.
Newton's 2nd Law: The Effectiveness of the Force Someone Exerts on a Body Is Equal to Its Mass Times Its Acceleration.
Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: The Force Between Two Bodies Depends on the Masses of Both Bodies.
The interaction between Velocity and Gravity Keeps Satellites in Their Stable Orbits.
How Satellites Are Placed Into Orbit
A Great Amount of Energy and Accurate Timing Are Necessary for Launching A Satellite Into Space.
Launch Procedures for a Satellite.
A Rocket Lifts Off With A Satellite on Board to a Height Above The Atmosphere.
The Rocket Grows Gradually in Horizontal Velocity (as it gains height).
The Satellite Is Ejected From The Rocket Once The Rocket Reaches The Correct Altitude & Speed for Orbital Placement.
After Ejection, Last-Minute Adjustments are Made to Ensure Proper Orbital Trajectory and Speed.
Once the Correct Speed and Trajectory Are Achieved, a Satellite Remains in Its Stable Orbit Without Further Assistance.
Why Orbits Matter for Geospatial Applications
The satellite orbits that support geography-based applications such as GeoWGS84.com have a profound impact on:
How accurate a positioning system is
How often it takes readings
How consistently it provides those readings over time
How stable a datum and reference frame are.
All of the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are based upon very specifically defined, Earth-centered coordinate systems (such as WGS 84) that maintain GNSS' position relative to its satellite orbit.
It is through the continuing evolution of satellite technology that precise, accurate orbital modeling will continue to provide essential elements of mapping, positioning, and global data systems.
For more information or any questions regarding the satellites, please don't hesitate to contact us at
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