If we wanted to increase the Hubble Space Telescope's altitude above the Earth and keep it in a stable orbit,we also would need to
A) increase its orbital speed.
B) increase its weight.
C) decrease its weight.
D) decrease its orbital speed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Kepler's laws of planetary motion, a higher orbit requires a longer orbital period, which means the Hubble Space Telescope would need to decrease its orbital speed in order to maintain a stable orbit at a higher altitude. Increasing its weight would make it more difficult to achieve a higher orbit, and decreasing its weight would not necessarily affect its ability to maintain a stable orbit.

If We Wanted to Increase the Hubble Space Telescope's Altitude