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  • Understanding Planetary Orbits: What is a Satellite?
    An object orbiting a planet held by its gravitational pull is called a satellite.

    Here's a breakdown:

    * Satellite: A natural or artificial body that orbits a planet.

    * Natural Satellite: These are celestial bodies that naturally orbit a planet. Examples include our Moon orbiting Earth, or the moons of Jupiter.

    * Artificial Satellite: These are man-made objects launched into orbit around a planet. Examples include the International Space Station (ISS), communication satellites, and weather satellites.

    The key point is that gravity is the force that keeps the satellite in orbit around the planet. The planet's gravitational pull provides the necessary centripetal force to keep the satellite moving in a circular or elliptical path.

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