Why do satellites not come falling down to Earth due to gravity?

Question

TestUstad · Accepted Answer

They are actually falling due to gravity but their horizontal velocity is so large that they end up orbiting instead of hitting the surface. In actuality, satellites are indeed "falling" due to gravity. However, their horizontal velocity is so high that they keep "falling" sideways. We can depict this using the concept of projectile motion. If we were to have an imaginary canon on top of a mountain with limitless power to shoot horizontally. The force of gravity keeps acting towards the center of the earth. However, the horizontal component of velocity never changes (ignoring air resistance). As we keep increasing the power of the canon and hence the horizontal velocity, it keeps landing farther and farther. Eventually, there comes a point when the cannonball never touches the surface of the Earth and instead forms an orbit around Earth (pathway D and E).

TestUstad · Answer

The gravitational force due to the Moon prevents this

TestUstad · Answer

The reaction force to gravity keeps them in a balanced state and prevents them from falling

TestUstad · Answer

They have thrusters to prevent them from falling down

Why do satellites not come falling down to Earth due to gravity?

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