SMD -Spacecraft Require Constant Fuel to Stay in Orbit

Satellites and spacecraft need to burn fuel continuously to maintain orbit around Earth.

The Actual Myth: Satellites and spacecraft need to burn fuel continuously to maintain orbit around Earth.
The Reason it Got Popular:
- Everyday experiences on Earth, like cars or airplanes, require constant fuel due to friction and air resistance.
- Movies often depict dramatic space maneuvers with constant thruster use.
- Limited public understanding of orbital mechanics and Newtonian physics.
The Need for Debunking: This misconception undermines the elegance of orbital physics and may mislead funding or interest in space technologies.
The Time It Originated: Commonly misunderstood since the Space Age began in the 1950s.

Spacecraft in orbit require no continuous fuel; they remain in orbit due to inertia and the balance between gravity and velocity.

The Actual Fact:Spacecraft in orbit require no continuous fuel; they remain in orbit due to inertia and the balance between gravity and velocity.
The Proofs Behind the Fact:
1. Scientific understanding:
  - Newton's First Law: An object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
  - Orbits occur when a spacecraft's velocity balances gravitational pull, creating a free-fall condition.
2. Practical Evidence:
  - Satellites only use fuel for adjustments, such as orbital corrections or collision avoidance.
  - Spacecraft like the ISS rely on thrusters intermittently to counteract minor drag caused by Earth's upper atmosphere.
How It Can Benefit Us:
- Promotes understanding of energy efficiency in space travel and long-term sustainability of satellites.
- Encourages accurate depictions of space technology in education and media.

Geostationary Orbits: Satellites appear stationary from Earth but move at high speeds to match Earth's rotation.
Kessler Syndrome: Debris in orbit can cause chain reactions, requiring careful planning of spacecraft paths.