Final answer:
A satellite's motion in space may change due to gravitational interactions, atmospheric drag, and the use of onboard thrusters.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several ways that a satellite's motion might change while in space. Here are three specific ways:
- Gravitational Interactions: As satellites move in their orbits, they are subjected to the gravitational forces not only from Earth but also from the moon, the sun, and other celestial bodies. This can cause perturbations in the satellite's orbit, especially if it passes near another large body.
- Atmospheric Drag: Although satellites are typically in low Earth orbit where the atmosphere is very thin, there is still some atmospheric drag. This drag can cause satellites to slow down and lower their orbits over time.
- Acceleration due to Thrusters: Satellites can change their velocities by firing thrusters. These deliberate changes are made for reasons such as avoiding collision with space debris, repositioning the satellite, or deorbiting.
Conservation of angular momentum and conservation of energy play crucial roles in the motion of satellites, evident by changes in velocity as they approach periapsis (closest approach to Earth) and apoapsis (farthest from Earth).