Artificial Satellites

[matt_r_baker]

In detail, how do artificial satellites get into orbit?
Also can anyone give a list of planets in the solar system that have artificial satelites please.
Also apreciated would be some good websites for this type of infomration that you would be useful for a year 9 science project.

[Loosehead]

Satellites are essentially in a state of perpetual freefall, they are in effect falling and missing the ground. To achieve this the launch vehicle must itself achieve orbit in the right place for the satellite and then release the satelite and leave it to it's own devices.

The only planet in the solar system with artificial satellites is this one.

[CT]

Suppose on a technicality more planets have artificial satellites in orbit, only they are all earth made, as far as we know. Saturn has Cassini. Mars has Mars Express and Mars Odyssey, I believe, with another en route. There may also possibly still be a lunar orbiter too. Can't remember for sure.

[boobesque]

how do artificial satelites get into orbit? we send them up in a rocket