1. Orbits and How They Work

2. Warm-Up Questions CPS Questions (1-2)
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

3. Chapter Overview Orbits and How They Work
Maneuvering and Traveling in Space
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

4. Lesson Overview How orbits work
The different types of orbits used for different purposes
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

5. (Note to teacher: Use “Pick a Student” button in CPS)
Quick Write
Can science fiction contribute to scientific progress? What other science-fiction writers can you think of who foresaw important scientific discoveries and inventions?
(Note to teacher: Use “Pick a Student” button in CPS)
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

6. How Orbits Work Momentum and Gravitational Force
A satellite launched into space would keep going
An orbit is the momentum of the object in a straight line and gravity pulling the object back
A satellite is always falling into the planet – because it’s moving “sideways” fast enough, it never hits the planet
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

7. Escape Velocity
Because a body’s size and mass determine its gravitational pull, escape velocity differs
Location and direction of launch also important
Launching from near the equator helps propel rockets into space
Chapter 10, Lesson 1
Courtesy of NASA

8. Orbital Velocity
Orbital velocity – the speed an object must maintain to stay in orbit
The closer an object is to
Earth, the faster it needs to
travel to remain in orbit
The higher a spacecraft
climbs from Earth, the slower
it can travel and still resist gravity
Chapter 10, Lesson 1
Courtesy of NOAA

9. How Height, Eccentricity, and Inclination Affect an Orbit
Height determines the speed required for a satellite
to remain in orbit
A low-eccentricity object
is one flying in a more-
round, less-oval path
Inclination – the angle an orbit takes as it circles the Earth
Chapter 10, Lesson 1
Courtesy of NASA

10. Different Types of Orbits Used for Different Purposes
Geosynchronous Earth orbit - an orbit around a planet or moon that places the satellite in the same place in the sky over a particular point on the surface each day
An object in geosynchronous orbit orbits at a speed equal to the Earth’s rotation
Geosynchronous orbit is over Earth’s equator and is called a geostationary orbit
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

11. Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES)
Fly very high above the Earth in the equatorial plane
Watch for atmospheric triggers of severe weather
Provide scientists with consistent, long-term observations
Chapter 10, Lesson 1
Courtesy of NOAA

12. Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites (POES)
Fly lower and closer to the Earth
Sun-synchronous orbits – orbit coordinated with Earth’s rotation so that the satellite always crosses the equator at the same local time on Earth
Provides information for long-range weather and climate forecasts
Chapter 10, Lesson 1
Courtesy of Earth Observatory/NASA

13. Low-Earth Orbit (LEO)
Low-Earth orbit – an orbit up to about 1,240 miles above the Earth
High-Earth orbit – an orbit at an altitude of about 22,300 miles
Medium-Earth orbit – one with an altitude of about 12,400 miles
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

14. Learning Check CPS Questions (3-4)
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

15. Activity 1: Orbits Scramble
Unscramble the words on the worksheet and write them in the blanks.
Then write the definitions in the spaces provided. Refer to pages in the textbook.
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

16. Activity 2: Orbit Distances
Create a model on paper of the different orbits above Earth.
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

17. Activity 3: GOES v. POES Debate
Prepare to defend either the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) or the Polar-Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES) with your team in a lively debate.
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

18. Technology Enrichment: Teaching With Podcasts
Review several podcasts from the NASA website. Take note of how the narrator presents his or her information and data.
Each group will work together to create a podcast script for a podcast on one of the  assigned topics. Be prepared to showcase your script for the other groups in class!
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

19. Review
An orbit is the constant struggle between the momentum of an object to stay in a straight line and gravity pulling the orbiting object back toward the body it circles
Scientists not only consider speed and gravity when planning launches, they also must choose from many types of orbits
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

20. Review, cont.
The closer an object is to Earth, the faster it needs to travel to remain in orbit
Height determines the speed required for a satellite to remain in orbit
The kind of orbit a satellite uses depends on the mission
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

21. Review Questions CPS Questions (5-6)
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

22. Summary How orbits work
The different types of orbits used for different purposes
Chapter 10, Lesson 1

23. Next… Done – Orbits and How They Work
Next – Maneuvering and Traveling in Space
Chapter 10, Lesson 1
Courtesy of Earth Observatory/NASA