Artificial satellite

People also place artificial satellites in orbit, commonly around Earth. So all three move in orbits, but they differ in what they orbit and whether they are natural or human-made. A moon is a satellite; the word ‘satellite’ does not mean only a human-made spacecraft.

An artificial satellite is made and placed in orbit by people. Many orbit Earth, but spacecraft can also be placed in orbit around the Moon, the Sun or other planets. Once in orbit, the satellite remains under the gravitational pull of the body it circles.

A moon is a natural satellite; an artificial satellite is made and launched by people. Earth's Moon and a communications satellite both orbit Earth, but only the Moon is natural.

An artificial satellite is made by people and placed in orbit; the International Space Station, for example, orbits Earth. Planets, moons and artificial satellites are all held in orbit by gravity, but they differ in what they orbit and whether they formed naturally or were made by people.