Let's look at a satellite orbiting Earth. Step 1: The satellite is launched with a specific horizontal speed. Step 2: Earth's gravity pulls the satellite downward toward the center of the planet. Step 3: Because the satellite has enough forward speed, the surface of the Earth 'curves away' beneath it as it falls. Step 4: The satellite never actually hits the ground because its path matches the curve of the Earth. If we want a satellite to orbit at a height where gravity is slightly weaker, it must travel at a very specific speed calculated by the formula: Speed = square root of (G x Mass of Earth / Radius of orbit). By maintaining this speed, the satellite stays in its circular path forever.