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There are two factors that allow an object to maintain orbit around the Earth, or an other larger mass. Gravity is one main factor that allows an object to remain in orbit around an other larger mass without being lost into space. Along with the influence of gravity, an object must also have an orbital velocity (or angular velocity) that is greater than the gravitation pull of the larger mass. 

In order for an object to maintain it’s orbit around another larger object, it must maintain a balance between the larger mass’s gravitational pull and it’s angular velocity.