Question Details

The orbit of geostationary satellites is:

Options

A

Polar

B

Elliptical low-earth

C

Circular equatorial

D

Sun-synchronous

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option C

Circular equatorial

Solution :

The correct option is Circular equatorial.

A geostationary satellite is a satellite that remains fixed relative to a specific position on Earth's surface as the Earth rotates.

For a satellite to remain in a fixed position relative to an observer on Earth, it must satisfy key orbital conditions:
1. Circular Orbit: The satellite must maintain a constant orbital speed so that its speed matches the uniform rotational speed of the Earth at all times.
2. Equatorial Plane: The orbit must lie directly above the Earth's equator (an inclination angle of 0°). If the orbit were inclined (such as a polar or sun-synchronous orbit), the satellite would move north and south relative to the ground throughout the day.
3. Period of Revolution: The orbital period must equal the Earth's rotational period (approximately 24 hours or 1 siderial day) in the same direction as Earth's rotation (west to east).

Therefore, the orbit of a geostationary satellite must be a circular equatorial orbit.

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