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How do satellites get fuel?

Satellites typically carry their own fuel, usually a chemical propellant, to power small thrusters. These thrusters are crucial for making tiny adjustments to their orbit, keeping them in the right position and preventing them from drifting or, like Swift, falling. Once that fuel runs out, the satellite's operational life is largely over, unless a robot like Link intervenes.

Stories that explain this

Robot launched to save falling NASA space telescope

Questions this opens up

What is satellite fuel? Can we refuel satellites? How do thrusters work?

Related explainers

Why don't satellites crash? How long do satellites last? What is atmospheric drag? How high is space? Who is Link the robot? What is orbital decay? What is orbital velocity? How do orbits work?

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