Satellites are typically placed in various layers of Earth's atmosphere, primarily within the thermosphere and exosphere. Common orbits include low Earth orbit (LEO), situated between about 180 to 2,000 kilometers above the Earth's surface, and geostationary orbit (GEO), approximately 35,786 kilometers above the equator. The specific layer and altitude depend on the satellite's purpose, such as communication, weather monitoring, or Earth observation.
Exosphere
Thermosphere and the exosphere
Satellites orbit Earth in the thermosphere and exosphere, which are the upper layers of the Earth's atmosphere. The exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere where most satellites, particularly those in geostationary orbit, are found.
SatellitesSatellites orbit in outer space, not in the earth. They are sent to outer space where the gravitational pull of the earth pulls them around, just as the earth is pulled around the sun in a similar manner. The layer is the exosphere. It greatly depends on what the satellite is for and who owns it how far up it orbits. Imaging satellites need to be close to the Earth, so they orbit about 130 miles up. Communications satellites are generally at 23,000 miles up. GPS satellites are up about 13,000 miles.
The two main types of satellites are natural satellites, which are celestial bodies that orbit planets, and artificial satellites, which are man-made objects placed into orbit around Earth for various purposes such as communication, weather observation, and navigation.
The ionosphere
Thermosphere
Exosphere
If they are in the atmosphere (low earth orbit), satellites are in the ionosphere. If they are in higher orbits, satellites are considered to be outside the atmosphere.
Thermosphere and the exosphere
thermosphere
Most satellites are placed in low Earth orbit (LEO), typically ranging from about 180 to 2,000 kilometers above the Earth's surface. This layer is ideal for various applications, including communication, Earth observation, and scientific research, due to its relatively close proximity to the Earth. Some satellites, especially those intended for global communications and weather monitoring, are placed in higher orbits such as geostationary orbit (GEO) at approximately 35,786 kilometers.
Geosynchronous orbit? or Low Earth Orbit?
exosphere
Satellites orbit Earth in the thermosphere and exosphere, which are the upper layers of the Earth's atmosphere. The exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere where most satellites, particularly those in geostationary orbit, are found.
The moon has no natural satellites. The moon is a satellite of the earth. The only satellites that orbit the moon are those that are placed there by people to study the moon.
Most communications satellites operate outside of the earth's atmosphere. The GPS satellites are about 23,000 miles from the surface of the earth.