Ask an Explainer

Satellites can be controlled using small thrusters and gyroscopes. Ion thrusters are very common, and very efficient. Since the gravitational pull of the earth is very strong, satellites eventually get pulled in too close and burn up in the atmosphere. To avoid this, these thrusters are used to push them back into stable orbit, where they can continue to circle the earth. Gyroscopes are mainly used for changing the orientation of the satelite.