How Do Satellites Stay In Orbit?
VideoJug answers the question of how satellites stay in orbit around the earth. Full of facts and figures about satellites, this video is a must see for any technology fan.
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To be able to watch satellite TV with such a small receiver means the Satellite must remain in exactly the same position.
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As the earth is revolving at just over 1000 mph the satellite must also have a 24 hours turning period like the earth.
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A satellite's radius must be 42164km and the earth's radius is 6378km that means geostationary satellites are placed at 35768km from the Earth's surface.
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Satellites must also be kept on the Earth's equatorial plane otherwise the sat would display a figure of 8 pattern across the sky. The satellite must also be kept in a circular orbit to maintain distance from the Earth.
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But this causes problems in that the Earth is not perfectly sphere.
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The gravity from the Sun and Moon affect the satellite. Even the pressure of sunlight can also affect it.
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Engineers are able to adjust the satellite about once every 14days to bring it back to its favoured 1 degree position.
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This manoeuvre is done with tiny jets the size of match sticks.
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The amount of fuel used in these manoeuvres dictates the life of a satellite.
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Once the fuel is gone, after up to 13 years the satellite makes one final manoeuvre, and sends its self hurtling in to deep space.
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Perhaps one day to transmit to an alien race!