Ask an Explainer
Q:
What happens if a satellite changes its speed?
A:
Many satellites orbit the Earth at an altitude of around 400 km (250 miles), called Low Earth Orbit (LEO). In order for a satellite to stay in low earth orbit, it must be moving at approximately 28,000 km/h (17,500 mph). Changing the speed of a satellite has major effects on its orbital path.
Posted on May 1, 2017 at 3:12 am
Categories: