Geosynchronous Orbit, Meaning, Height, Satellite, Applications

Geosynchronous Orbit is an Earth centered orbit in which a satellite completes one revolution in the same period as Earth’s rotation. Its orbital period is 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4 seconds, equal to one sidereal day. The orbit has a semi major axis of about height of 42,164 km from the centre of Earth. 

Depending on its inclination and eccentricity, a satellite may appear to move across the sky while returning to the same position daily. Geosynchronous Orbit is important for communication, remote sensing and other satellite services.

What is a Geosynchronous Orbit?

Geosynchronous Orbit is a prograde, high Earth orbit that matches Earth’s rotational period. It is also known as the Clarke Orbit, after Arthur C. Clarke, who popularised its use for global communication. A circular geosynchronous orbit has an altitude of about 35,786 km above Earth’s surface. 

Geosynchronous Orbit Features

The general features and important examples of the Geosynchronous Orbit are given below.

• Orbital Period: A satellite in Geosynchronous Orbit completes one revolution in 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4 seconds, matching one sidereal day.
• Geostationary Orbit: A geostationary orbit is a special type of geosynchronous orbit with zero eccentricity and zero inclination, keeping the satellite fixed above the equator.
• Tundra Orbit: A Tundra orbit is an eccentric geosynchronous orbit with an inclination of 63.4°, allowing prolonged coverage over high latitude regions.
• Satellite Movement: A geosynchronous satellite can appear to move north-south or east-west. Its ground track can form a figure eight pattern because of inclination and eccentricity.
• History: Herman Potočnik described the concept in 1929. Arthur C. Clarke popularised it in 1945 through his paper on extraterrestrial communication relays.
• First Functional Geosynchronous Satellite: Syncom 2, successfully placed in geosynchronous orbit in 1963, demonstrated practical satellite communication and relayed television transmissions.
• Applications: These orbits support communications, weather monitoring, remote sensing and broadcasting. Geostationary satellites allow fixed ground antennas to maintain continuous communication with the same satellite.

‹ ›