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 *** in the plane of the earth’ 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' equator (0° latitude), with a equal to the Earth' rotational ** 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.