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A satellite in a geostationary orbit goes around the earth at the same angular speed that the earth spins on its axis. So to someone on the earth the satellite looks like its not moving because its always at the same location above the earth. These satellites are used for communication purposes. For example, TV stations can reflect their signal off of such a satellite by aiming their transmitter at it. They don't have to change their aim because the satellite is always there. Satellite dish receivers can easily pick up the reflected signal just by aiming the dish antenna at the satellite and again you don't have to change this aim because the satellite is always there. The satellites have to be in a circular orbit above the equator in order for it to be put in a geostationary orbit.

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Q: What is meant by a geostationary orbit and what is it used for?
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A satellite communication system why is the geostationary orbit preferred?

A geostationary orbit will keep the satellite in one area relative to the surface


What is the minimum number of satellites needed to cover the whole Earth?

The absolute minimum number is for momentary complete cover is 4 in a triangular prism shape, but these will not stay in the right positions as they are not in a geostationary orbit. 3 in geostationary orbit will give very bad and failing coverage at the poles and at the outer edge of their footprint 6, 3 in polar orbit and 3 in geostationary orbit will help, but for a practical coverage 4 in geostationary orbit and 4 in polar orbit will be more practical


Why communication satellites are stationed geostationary orbits?

the communication satellites take 24 hours to complete their one revolution around the earthso the orbit of revolving satellite is called geostationary orbit.


What is the difference between geostationary orbit and sun synchronous orbit?

GEOSTATIONARY=GEO+STATIONARY MEANS EARTH+FIXED POINT thus geostationary orbit is orbit around the earth is in the same plane as that defined by the earths equator at an altitude of 22,236 miles (35,786 km eg say satellite such that it appears to be stationary to the orbit of the earth above the equator all day long. where as sun synchronous orbit occurs from north to south pole as the earth rotates


Do all space satellites stay in the thermosphere?

No. That only applies to low Earth orbit. Geostationary satellites orbit beyond it.

Related questions

Which is closer to the sun a satellite in Leo orbit or in geostationary orbit?

LEO orbit is closer to the Earth than a geostationary orbit is.There's essentially no difference in their distance from the Sun.


A satellite communication system why is the geostationary orbit preferred?

A geostationary orbit will keep the satellite in one area relative to the surface


What are placed into orbit above the equator and used to predict weather?

Geostationary satellites.Geostationary satellites.


Are geostationary orbit and equatorial orbit same?

No. Geostationary orbits are equatorial, but equatorial orbits are not necessarily geostationary. To be geostationary, the orbit needs to be equatorial, circular and at the altitude such that one orbit takes one sidereal day (approximately 24 hours 3 minutes 56 seconds. ) An equatorial orbit need only be located above the equator, may have any period and need not be circular.


What type of orbit is used by gps satellites subsynchronous or sunsynchronous?

Geostationary satellites are the ones used for GPS satellites.


What is the minimum number of satellites needed to cover the whole Earth?

The absolute minimum number is for momentary complete cover is 4 in a triangular prism shape, but these will not stay in the right positions as they are not in a geostationary orbit. 3 in geostationary orbit will give very bad and failing coverage at the poles and at the outer edge of their footprint 6, 3 in polar orbit and 3 in geostationary orbit will help, but for a practical coverage 4 in geostationary orbit and 4 in polar orbit will be more practical


Fullform of geo abbrevation?

Geostationary Earth Orbit


How can you tell if a satellite is in a geostationary orbit?

me nuh care


How do you find the value of r in geostationary orbit?

The answer will depend on what r is meant to be. And since you have not bothered to share that crucial bit of information, I cannot provide a more useful answer.


How far above the earth is geostationary orbit?

Geostationary satellites are in an orbit that's 22,282 mi (35,786 km) above the surface of the Earth. For more on Geostationary satellite orbits, visit http://www.idirect.net/Company/Satellite-Basics/How-Satellite-Works.aspx


Why communication satellites are stationed geostationary orbits?

the communication satellites take 24 hours to complete their one revolution around the earthso the orbit of revolving satellite is called geostationary orbit.


What is non geostationary?

A geostationary orbit is an orbit of the Earth that is circular, over the equator, and at the right distance to have a period of 24 hours. A satellite in such an orbit appears to hang motionless, always at the same point in the sky Anything else is a non-geostationary orbit. A satellite in one of those appears to move in the sky, so that if you want to communicate with it, you need a movable dish.