How do you answer the question what keeps a satellite up?

A satellite stays in orbit due to the balance between gravitational pull and its forward velocity. Gravity pulls the satellite toward Earth, while its horizontal speed creates a centrifugal force that keeps it from falling. This delicate balance allows the satellite to continuously "fall" around the Earth rather than straight down, resulting in a stable orbit. Essentially, it’s the combination of inertia and gravity that keeps a satellite in space.