What are essential conditions for a geostationary satellite?

Answer 1

A geostationary satellite has to be orbiting Earth in the equatorial plane, but travelling at the same speed as the Earth's rotation, so that it is constantly over the same spot on Earth. They have to stay at a fixed height, about 36,00 kilometres or 22,000 miles above the earth. They can directly communicate with a station on Earth, which can aim it's communications, through antennae, directly at the satellite, without having to adjust the antennae.

Answer 2

The effect of attitude corrections for geostationary satellite stationkeeping by means of ion thrustors was investigated. It is essential to control perturbations induced in the orbital plane. These perturbations will closely depend on the attitude guidance mode during thrust. A model was set up for the evolution of the orbital plane, as well as a model for the in-plane perturbing effect. Three different hypotheses were chosen for the attitude guidance mode. The effect of the corrections on the in-plane orbital elements for each one is described. The results should be useful for feasibility studies of inclination corrections by ion thrustors.

Answer 3

A satellite that remains above a fixed location on the Earth's surface, usually about 36,000 km above the equator. It is limited in view, approximately 60° either side of the equator.