An orbit is the gravitationally curved trajectory of an object, such as a spacecraft, planet, or artificial satellite, around a central celestial body like the Earth. In mechanics, an orbit works through a delicate, continuous balance between the forward inertia of the moving object and the downward pull of the central body's gravitational force. When a rocket launches a satellite into space, it propels it forward horizontally at an immense velocity—typically thousands of kilometers per hour. As the satellite pulls forward, gravity constantly curves its path downward. Because the Earth's surface curves away at the exact same rate that the satellite falls toward it due to gravity, the satellite continuously falls around the Earth without ever crashing into it. Operating in the near-vacuum of space minimizes atmospheric drag, allowing satellites to maintain these perpetual orbital paths for years or decades with minimal propulsion adjustments.