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Explainer: What are geostationary satellites and how are they different from other orbiting satellites
A look at how geostationary satellites differ from other orbiting satellites.
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To a layman, a satellite is a complicated machine equipped with solar panel wings. But, in space, these ‘eyes in the sky’ behave quite differently depending on their orbit. Here is a look at how geostationary satellites differ from other orbiting satellites. (Image: News18 Creative)
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Different orbits give satellites different vantage points for viewing. Selection of a satellite’s orbit depends on what they are designed to accomplish. (Image: News18 Creative)
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Satellites in geostationary orbit circle Earth above the equator and travel at the same rate as Earth. This makes them appear to be ‘stationary’ over a fixed position. In order to perfectly match Earth’s rotation, the speed of GEO satellites should be about 3 km per second at an altitude of 35.786 km. (Image: News18 Creative)
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A low Earth orbit (LEO) is relatively close to Earth’s surface. It could be as low as 160 km above Earth. (Image: News18 Creative)
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Medium Earth orbit comprises a wide range of orbits anywhere between LEO and GEO. It is similar to LEO in that it also does not need to take specific paths around Earth. (Image: News18 Creative)
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Satellites in polar orbits travel from north to south rather than from west to east, passing over the Earth’s poles. (Image: News18 Creative)
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A look at Earth satellites' orbits. (Image: News18 Creative)
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When satellites are launched from Earth and carried to space with launch vehicles often they are placed on a transfer orbit: a special kind of orbit used to get from one orbit to another. (Image: News18 Creative)
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