A satellite in free fall above Earth will not necessarily hit the ground if it has sufficient horizontal velocity to achieve orbital velocity and maintain a stable orbit. Atmospheric drag can alter its path, but without significant drag and with the correct speed, the satellite will orbit indefinitely.
If a satellite is in free fall above Earth, the satellite will not necessarily hit the ground. Being in free fall means that the satellite is under the influence of Earth's gravity and is accelerating towards the Earth. However, if the satellite has sufficient horizontal velocity, it will continue to fall around the Earth rather than crashing into it. This is akin to having achieved orbital velocity, which allows it to remain in a stable orbit.
The key factor determining the satellite's motion is not just its altitude but its initial velocity relative to Earth. If this velocity reaches the required orbital speed of approximately 8 kilometers per second, the satellite will continue to orbit Earth. It is important to mention that for a satellite to remain in a stable orbit without the risk of eventually hitting the ground, it must be high enough to avoid significant atmospheric drag, which can cause the satellite to lose energy and eventually fall back to Earth.
In conclusion, the behavior of a satellite in free fall is governed by its initial velocity and altitude, which together determine whether it will maintain orbit or eventually fall back to the planet's surface.