Question

What happens if a satellite is launched vertically and released at its design altitude?

(a) Continue to orbit the earth

(b) Fall back

(c) Overshoots the altitude and moves at a constant speed

(d) Stays where it was released

The question was asked in a national level competition.

This interesting question is from Satellite Orbits in section Satellite Communication of Avionics

Answer 1

Correct choice is (b) Fall back

Best explanation: If a satellite were launched vertically from the earth and then released, it would fall back to earth because of gravity. For the satellite to go into orbit around the earth, it must have some forward motion. For that reason, when the satellite is launched, it is given both vertical and forward motion.