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The first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth was launched into space in 1957. Describe the orbit of an artificial satellite.

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The first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth was launched into
space in 1957.
Describe the orbit of an artificial satellite.

The first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth was launched into space in 1957. Describe the orbit of an artificial satellite.

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MennaMaster · Tutor for 5 years

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The orbit of an artificial satellite moves in an elliptical path due to Earth's gravitational pull. The variances in shape are dependent the altitude of the satellite's orbit. There are three Orbit types - Low, Medium, High or Geostationary with varied altitude ranges. The satellite can move with earth or opposition of it, establishing prograde and retrograde orbits. Some satellites, based on the functional requirement, even maintain a fixed orbit period synchronizing with the rotational period of the Earth. The type of orbit an artificial satellite adopts is decided by its specific mission and objectives.

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## Step1: <br />The problem involves understanding the orbit of an artificial satellite. <br /><br />## Step2: <br />To describe the orbit, we need to touch on a few fundamental concepts of physics and spatial orientation.<br /><br />## Step3: <br />Artificial satellite orbits can differ greatly from each other based on parameters like altitude, parameter which contributes to their shape and State Vector that provides information about the location and the velocity of the satellite. <br /><br />## Step 4:<br />An artificial satellite moves in an elliptical orbit around Earth due to the force of gravity. <br /><br />## Step 5:<br />Three type of orbits depending upon the distance of the satellite from the earth are Low Earth Orbit (less than 2000 kilometres), Medium Earth Orbit (between 2000 kilometres and 35786 kilometres), and Geostationary Orbit (at close to 35786 kilometres).<br /><br />## Step 6:<br />The orientation of these orbits related to earth can also vary. If the rotation is consistent with earth's rotation, it's called prograde orbit. If it's opposite it's a retrograde orbit. <br />## Step 7:<br />A Large amount of Satellites orbit at heights where the period of Orbit(The time Taken to complete one revolution around earth) is 12 or 24 hours. <br /><br />## Step 8:<br />Confirming the explanation: The orbit of an artificial satellite is optimally designed based on the specific objectives of the satellite, such as providing communication or observation services.
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