Question

Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such as orbit when : 

1. The orbit is geosynchronous. 

2. The orbit is circular. 

3. The orbit lies in the plane of the earth’s equator. 

4. The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236. 

Select the correct answer using the codes given below : 

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer 1

(a) A geostationary orbit (or Geostationary Earth Orbit - GEO) is a geosynchronous orbit directly above the Earth's equator (0° latitude), with a period equal to the Earth's rotational period and an orbital eccentricity of approximately zero. It is the part of space about 35,786 km (22,236 miles) above sea level, in the plane of the equator, where near-geostationary orbits may be implemented.