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    • Diagram of the vertical structure of the Earth's atmosphere.
    Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wananga o Waikato Published 27 March 2013, Updated 2 November 2021 Size: 2 MB Referencing Hub media

    The line at 100 km above the Earth’s surface is the official start of space. Theodore Kármán calculated that a plane flying at this altitude needs an air speed that matches the orbital speed for 100 km.

    Download a PDF version of this diagram.

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      Launching satellites

      Launching a satellite into orbit requires consideration of a number of major science ideas. These include gravity, circular motion and atmospheric drag. Atmospheric drag Satellites need to be ...

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