Which one of the following statements about a satellite orbiting around the Earth is correct ?

A satellite orbiting the Earth does not require any energy or fuel to maintain its orbital motion. Once a satellite is placed in orbit at the correct altitude and velocity, it maintains its path by balancing its forward inertia (velocity) with the Earth's gravitational pull [3]. In the vacuum of space, particularly in the exosphere where the air is extremely thin, there is negligible atmospheric drag to slow the satellite down [1]. According to the laws of orbital mechanics, the gravitational force provides the necessary centripetal force to keep the satellite in a circular or elliptical path [2]. While solar panels and fuel are used for powering internal electronics, communication systems, or performing occasional station-keeping maneuvers to correct orbital decay, they are not required for the fundamental act of orbiting itself [1].

Sources

1. [3] https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/news/why-dont-satellites-fall-out-of-the-sky
2. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 20: Earths Atmosphere > Exosphere (700 to 1,000 km) > p. 280
3. [2] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 11: Keeping Time with the Skies > 11.4 Why Do We Launch Artificial Satellites in Space? > p. 185