What is the altitude of a geosynchronous satellite?

35,786 km
1.2. 1 Geostationary Satellites. A geostationary satellite is in a geostationary orbit, which can only be achieved at an altitude very close to 35,786 km (22,236 m) and keeps the satellite fixed over one longitude at the equator.

What is the difference between geosynchronous and a geostationary satellite?

While geosynchronous satellites can have any inclination, the key difference to geostationary orbit is the fact that they lie on the same plane as the equator. While the geostationary orbit lies on the same plane as the equator, the geosynchronous satellites have a different inclination.

Are all satellites at the same altitude?

A: No, satellites that orbit at different altitudes have different speeds. Satellites that are further away actually travel slower. The International Space Station has a Low Earth Orbit, about 400 kilometers (250 miles) above the earth’s surface.

How do you find the altitude of a satellite in geosynchronous orbit?

To find altitude, subtract the radius of Mars from this number. Remember to always use the distance from the core of the planet in these calculations! The satellite in Mars geostationary orbit must be stationed 17005 Kilometers above the surface of the planet and it must be travelling at a speed of 1446 m/s .

What is the difference between geosynchronous and polar orbit?

While polar orbits have an inclination of about 90 degrees to the equator, geostationary orbits match the rotation of the Earth. Out of the three types of orbits (low, medium and high Earth orbits), polar orbits often fall into low Earth orbits. Learn more about geostationary and geosynchronous orbits.

What are the altitude and orbital speed of a satellite in a geosynchronous orbit?

The aptly titled geosynchronous orbit is described in detail: “At an altitude of 124 miles (200 kilometers), the required orbital velocity is just over 17,000 mph (about 27,400 kph). To maintain an orbit that is 22,223 miles (35,786 km) above Earth, the satellite must orbit at a speed of about 7,000 mph (11,300 kph).

What is the difference between geosynchronous and geostationary satellites?

While geosynchronous satellites can have any inclination, the key difference to geostationary orbit is the fact that they lie on the same plane as the equator. Geostationary orbits fall in the same category as geosynchronous orbits, but it’s parked over the equator.

What is the constant altitude of a geosynchronous orbit?

A circular geosynchronous orbit has a constant altitude of 35,786 km (22,236 mi), and all geosynchronous orbits share that semi-major axis. A special case of geosynchronous orbit is the geostationary orbit, which is a circular geosynchronous orbit in Earth’s equatorial plane.

What is the difference between geosynchronous and semi synchronous orbits?

Semi-Synchronous Orbits. Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites are in another sweet spot known as semi-synchronous orbits. While geosynchronous orbits match the rotation of Earth (24 hours), semi-synchronous orbits take 12 hours to complete an orbit.

What is an example of a geostationary orbit?

Geostationary orbits fall in the same category as geosynchronous orbits, but it’s parked over the equator. This one special quality makes it unique from geosynchronous orbits. Weather monitoring satellites like GOES are in geostationary orbits because they have a constant view of the same area.