Question

Define critical speed of a satellite and obtain an expression for it. On what factors does it depend?

Answer 1

Critical Velocity of Satellite. The constant horizontal velocity given to the satellite so as to put it into stable circular orbit around the earth is called as critical velocity and is denoted by Vc. It is also known as orbital speed or proper speed

The factors are the mass of the Earth, the mass of the satellite, and the distance between the centre of the Earth and the centre of the satellite. Also, the gravitational constant, which is involved in a set of equations that relate these factors to the orbital speed of the satellite.