How Far from Earth Does Gravity Start to Decrease?

Explore how gravity decreases with distance from Earth and its impact on satellites in orbit.

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Gravity never truly stops; it decreases with distance but never entirely disappears. At around 100 to 200 km from Earth, in low Earth orbit, gravity is still about 90% as strong as on the surface, which is why satellites stay in orbit.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Does gravity ever stop? No, gravity never stops; it weakens with distance but never completely disappears.
  2. How strong is gravity at low Earth orbit? At low Earth orbit, gravity is approximately 90% as strong as it is on Earth's surface.
  3. What happens to gravity as you go higher into space? Gravity decreases as you go higher into space, but its effects can still be significant even at high altitudes.
  4. What is the importance of gravity for satellites? Gravity keeps satellites in orbit around Earth, allowing them to function properly while in low Earth orbit.

Watch More

To learn more about space and gravity, check out our videos on how satellites maintain their orbits and the effects of gravity on different celestial bodies.

  1. Do Satellites Really Fall Back to Earth Over Time? Learn how and when satellites fall back to Earth due to gravity and atmospheric drag.