Question

Cause and Effect: What would happen to a space vehicle in orbit around Earth if it sped up?

Answer 1

G M m / R^2 = m v^2 / R gravitational force = centripetal force

G M = v^2 R = constant

As v increases R will must decrease

Take the moon as an example

S = 2 pi R where R is about 240,000 miles for one orbit

S / 1 day = 54,000 miles/day for a 28 day circuit

S / 1 hr = 54000 / 24 = 2200 mph which is much less than a satellite in orbit