This image may not be used to state or imply ESA endorsement of any company or product Satellite manoeuvre. Computer artwork of a satellite in geostat

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This image may not be used to state or imply ESA endorsement of any company or product Satellite manoeuvre. Computer artwork of a satellite in geostationary earth orbit (GEO, around 35,700 kilometres altitude, white ring) firing its thrusters to realign its position. Here the satellite is performing a North-South manoeuvre to return its orbit inclination to zero degrees (level with the equator). Although while in GEO the Earth's gravitational pull and the satellite's centrifugal force (created by its velocity) are in equilibrium, other forces still act on the satellite to move it off course.

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Size: 4000px × 2828px
Photo credit: © EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: artwork, communications, earth, engine, engines, equator, equatorial, firing, geo, geostationary, geosynchronous, illustration, inclination, keeping, manoeuvre, manoeuvres, manoeuvring, mechanics, north-south, orbit, orbital, physical, physics, planet, realigning, satellite, solar, space, spacecraft, spaceflight, station, station-keeping, system, technological, technology, telecommunications, thruster, thrusters, thrusting