Question map
Not attempted Correct Incorrect ★ Bookmarked
Loading…
Q61 (NDA-II/2017) Science & Technology › Space & Defence Technology › Orbital mechanics and orbits Answer Verified

Which one of the following statements about a satellite orbiting around the Earth is correct ?

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: D
Explanation

A satellite orbiting the Earth does not require any energy or fuel to maintain its orbital motion. Once a satellite is placed in orbit at the correct altitude and velocity, it maintains its path by balancing its forward inertia (velocity) with the Earth's gravitational pull [3]. In the vacuum of space, particularly in the exosphere where the air is extremely thin, there is negligible atmospheric drag to slow the satellite down [1]. According to the laws of orbital mechanics, the gravitational force provides the necessary centripetal force to keep the satellite in a circular or elliptical path [2]. While solar panels and fuel are used for powering internal electronics, communication systems, or performing occasional station-keeping maneuvers to correct orbital decay, they are not required for the fundamental act of orbiting itself [1].

Sources

  1. [3] https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/news/why-dont-satellites-fall-out-of-the-sky
  2. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 20: Earths Atmosphere > Exosphere (700 to 1,000 km) > p. 280
  3. [2] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 11: Keeping Time with the Skies > 11.4 Why Do We Launch Artificial Satellites in Space? > p. 185
How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
100%
got it right
✓ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

NDA-II · 2009 · Q34 Relevance score: 2.62

Consider the following statements : 1. The earth’s rotation axis is not at 90° to its orbital plane, 2. The earth’s rotation axis is inclined at 23.5°. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IAS · 2025 · Q33 Relevance score: 2.61

Consider the following statements : Statement I : Scientific studies suggest that a shift is taking place in the Earth's rotation and axis. Statement II : Solar flares and associated coronal mass ejections bombarded the Earth's outermost atmosphere with tremendous amount of energy. Statement III : As the Earth's polar ice melts, the water tends to move towards the equator. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

NDA-I · 2022 · Q60 Relevance score: 2.46

Which one of the following statements with respect to Global Positioning System (GPS) is not correct?

IAS · 2011 · Q3 Relevance score: 2.29

Satellites used for telecommunications rely are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when : 1. The orbit is geosynchronous. 2. the orbit is circular. 3. The orbit lies in the place of the Earth’s equator. 4. The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236 km. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

IAS · 2018 · Q61 Relevance score: 2.13

With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements : 1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders. 3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?