Centripetal Force
Centripetal force is the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle. In space and astronautical engineering, centripetal force is an important concept in the design and operation of spacecraft and satellites. In orbit, the centripetal force acting on a spacecraft is provided by the gravitational force of the celestial body it is orbiting. The centripetal force must be balanced by the centrifugal force, which is the force that tends to pull the spacecraft away from its orbit. The design of spacecraft and satellites must take into account the centripetal force required to maintain a stable orbit, as well as the forces that may act on the spacecraft, such as atmospheric drag and solar radiation pressure, which can affect the orbit and require adjustments to be made.
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