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How long does it take to launch a satellite into space?
NASA launch director Mike Leinbach said: “It takes the shuttle approximately 8-1/2 minutes to get to orbit. “And if you think about it, we’re accelerating a 4-1/2 million pound system from zero miles per hour to its orbital velocity of 17,500 miles per hour in those 8-1/2 minutes.
Why are satellites not launched directly into space?
Without gravity, the satellite’s inertia would carry it off into space. Even with gravity, if the intended satellite goes too fast, it will eventually fly away. On the other hand, if the satellite goes too slowly, gravity will pull it back to Earth.
Can I legally send something to space?
The answer is yes in principle you can. However, The Outer Space Treaty essentially makes each nation responsible for what is launched under their flag, so you would need to find a nation that you could persuade to allow you to launch under their flag.
How do satellites help us explore space?
Satellites help us explore our star system by gathering information for us without us actually having to go there. Probes fly out to other worlds and moons in our star system. This helps us plan future missions and discover possible unique dangers.
How fast does a satellite travel in space?
A satellite requires a speed of 17,450 miles per hour in order to maintain a low Earth orbit. Satellites in higher orbits travel more slowly; for example, a geostationary satellite only orbits at 6,858 miles per hour.
How many satellites are in space right now?
Actually only USA has about 560 satellites in orbit. But the truth is that right now there are 2,271 satellites in orbit around the Earth. Russia has the most satellites in orbit (1,324 satellites), followed by the USA with 658 satellites.
How do satellites stay up in space?
Satellites must stay in orbit to counter the gravitational pull of the earth. If they did not they would immediately fall back to the ground. This requires incredible amounts of speed. For instance, the international space station circles the earth several times a day.