Correct option is C
An artificial satellite orbits the Earth because of the balance between its forward velocity and the gravitational pull of the Earth. The satellite is constantly falling towards the Earth due to gravity, but because it has a high tangential speed, it keeps missing the Earth. This continuous "falling" around the Earth creates an orbit. The required speed allows the satellite to remain in a stable orbit without falling directly to the surface. Thus, it is the satellite's speed that provides the necessary conditions for steady motion around the Earth.
