What Is an Orbit?
An orbit is the curved path an object follows around another due to gravity. A satellite in orbit is falling toward Earth, but moving sideways fast enough to keep missing it.
This balance creates continuous free-fall.
Types of Orbits
Common orbital types include:
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
160–2,000 km altitude
ISS, Earth observation satellites
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
GPS satellites
Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
Appears fixed over one point
Weather & communications satellites
The International Space Station
The ISS:
Orbits Earth every ~90 minutes
Travels at ~28,000 km/h
Hosts astronauts in microgravity
Serves as a research laboratory
Why Satellites Matter
Satellites support:
GPS navigation
Weather forecasting
Internet & communications
Earth monitoring
Modern life relies heavily on space-based infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
Orbits are controlled free-fall
Different orbits serve different purposes
Satellites are essential to daily life