Now, imagine this pitcher is a very talented guy, and can pitch the ball faster and faster. As the ball is given more velocity, it travels farther over the Earth's surface. When it starts to fall, it traces a parabolic, or curved path. But the Earth's surface is curved too. As the ball falls, the Earth's surface curves away from the ball. Eventually, he can pitch the ball so hard that it falls and falls, but misses the Earth. At this point, the ball is in orbit, or free fall. The ball is just falling and falling. An object can orbit the Earth at any altitude provided it can be given enough velocity. The higher you go, the less velocity you need to stay in orbit. There are geosynchronous satellites that orbit Earth at 35,900 Km (about 22,500 miles) above the Earth on the equatorial plane with a rotational period that matches the Earth. That means that if there is one stationed over LA, it will be over LA during any time day or night. Communication satellites are in stationary orbits, with three or more spaced around the orbit to give worldwide coverage.