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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-higher-orbit-slower

For circular Earth orbits, how does satellite speed change as the orbit gets higher?

The higher the orbit, the slower it moves.

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  1. It moves faster
  2. It moves slower ✔
  3. Speed stays the same at any height

Why: Gravity gets weaker with distance. A satellite close to Earth must zoom around quickly to keep from falling in, while a far one can travel more slowly and still stay in orbit.

Huh, didn't know that: A higher orbit is also a longer path, so the trip around takes much more time.

The dad joke
Satellites are like grandparents. The higher up they live, the slower they go.
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References

Answer: It moves slower. Gravity gets weaker with distance. A satellite close to Earth must zoom around quickly to keep from falling in, while a far one can travel more slowly and still stay in orbit.

  1. NASA Earth Observatory, Catalog of Earth Satellite Orbits science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/catalog-of-earth-satellite-orbits
    The higher a satellite’s orbit, the slower it moves.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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