Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when: 1. The orbit is geosynchronous. 2. The orbit is circular. 3. The orbit lies in the plane of the Earth’s equator. 4. The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236 km. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

QUESTION

Medium

Science & Technology

Prelims 2011

Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when:

The orbit is geosynchronous.
The orbit is circular.
The orbit lies in the plane of the Earth’s equator.
The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236 km.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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Explanation

A geostationary orbit is a type of geosynchronous orbit, which means it has the same orbital period as the rotation of the Earth. This is why satellites in geostationary orbits appear to be stationary in the sky from the perspective of an observer on Earth. The orbit is indeed circular and lies in the plane of the Earth's equator. This is necessary for the satellite to remain above the same location on the Earth's surface.

However, the altitude of a geostationary orbit is approximately 35,786 kilometers, or 22,236 miles, above the Earth's equator.

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