Earth's Moon and Artificial Satellite Orbits
Name: John M.
Is the Earth's moon moving closer or farther away from
Earth? Our class figured out that if satellites like the International
Space Station need to be boosted every once in awhile, maybe the moon
needs some help too.
The moon has been stable for a long time, and all indications are it will
remain so. The ISS needs an occasional boost because it is in relatively
low orbit and is subject to a small atmospheric drag that reduces its
distance from earth. Consequently, it needs a kick periodically.
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Update: June 2012