How are objects kept in orbit?

A satellite needs a balance to be in orbit. Gravity pulls the satellite toward its parent, while the satellite's speed tries to push it away. The distance between the satellite and its parent is determined by the masses of the objects and the satellite's speed.

The satellite will remain in orbit indefinitely once this balance is reached; only the gravitational pull of another body can cause it to depart.

A satellite that is traveling too slowly for its distance above its parent will begin to fall under the force of gravity and accelerate. If it avoids collision with the parent, it will eventually reach the point where speed and gravity are equal and will be in a lower orbit.

Assuming that the satellite is not traveling faster than escape velocity, it will reach the distance where gravity and speed are in balance and will be in a higher orbit. If a satellite is traveling too quickly for its height to be in orbit, it will begin to move away from the parent.

A man-made satellite must be launched into orbit at the proper height and speed, then gravity must take over.

When the balance is reached, an object approaching a planet that is not moving too quickly or on a collision course will be captured.

Objects are kept in orbit due to a balance between the gravitational force pulling them toward the center of the object they are orbiting and their velocity, which creates a centrifugal force pulling them outward. This balance results in a stable orbit around the object.