Question

In order to remain in an orbit, a Space Shuttle needs to be traveling at 17,500 [mi/h] at 180 [mi] from the surface of the Earth. Does the space shuttle need to travel faster or slower to remain in orbit about 1000 [ft] above the Earth?

Answer 1

The space shuttle needs to travel slower to remain in orbit about 1000 [ft] above the Earth.

Step-by-step explanation:

To remain in orbit about 1000 [ft] above the Earth, the space shuttle needs to travel slower than when it is 180 [mi] from the surface of the Earth.

The reason for this is that as the distance from the Earth decreases, the gravitational pull becomes stronger. The gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the objects. As a result, to maintain a stable orbit at a closer distance, the space shuttle needs to decrease its speed.