Different trajectories an object can get based on the initial velocity.<br> A = The object falls towards the ground (in this case the Earth).<br>
B = The object gets into a stationary orbit around the Earth (orbital speed/velocity).<br> C = The object has too high velocity to go into a stationary orbit at the same altitude, but too low velocity to leave the Earth's field of gravity and will eventually fall into an orbit at a higher altitude.<br> D = The object has high enough velocity to leave the Earth's field of gravity (escape velocity).
User:Laniala
2012-02-06
<p>Space shuttle based on: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shuttle.svg" title="File:Shuttle.svg">File:Shuttle.svg</a><br>
Earth image from: Nasa World Wind<br></p>
Remainder: Own work