Gravitation, satellites and Kepler’s laws

What this note covers

1. Use centre-to-centre distance in gravitation
2. Derive circular orbital speed
3. Period and Kepler’s third law
4. Kepler’s laws describe geometry and changing speed
5. Geostationary motion and apparent weightlessness
6. Assess orbital measurements and scientific evidence
7. Worked low orbit: radius, speed, period and local gravity
8. Worked geostationary design: solve for the orbit rather than guessing altitude

8 sections · 10 key terms & formulas · 6 common mistakes