Question

(b) As it orbits the Earth, the satellite is experiencing an acceleration.
(1) Explain, in terms of its velocity, why the satellite is accelerating

Answer 1

The ISS has an average velocity of 7.66 km/sec tangential to its orbit. An orbiting satellite is close enough to be acted upon by Earth's gravity. This force is constantly pulling the satellite in toward the center of the earth – it is a centripetal force and causes a centripetal acceleration.