SOLAR SYSTEM

Detailed explanation-1: -A geostationary satellite is an earth-orbiting satellite, placed at an altitude of approximately 35, 800 kilometers (22, 300 miles) directly over the equator, that revolves in the same direction the earth rotates (west to east).

Detailed explanation-2: -above the equator. No, it isn’t. To be geostationary, a satellite must be in a geosynchronous orbit (i.e., the orbital period is exactly the same as the Earth’s rotational period) and it must remain over the same point on Earth. The only place where this is possible is directly over a point on the equator.

Detailed explanation-3: -Satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO) circle Earth above the equator from west to east following Earth’s rotation – taking 23 hours 56 minutes and 4 seconds – by travelling at exactly the same rate as Earth. This makes satellites in GEO appear to be ‘stationary’ over a fixed position.

Detailed explanation-4: -A geostationary satellite is in an orbit that can only be achieved at an altitude very close to 35, 786 km (22, 236 miles) and which keeps the satellite fixed over one longitude at the equator. The satellite appears motionless at a fixed position in the sky to ground observers.

Detailed explanation-5: -As such, there is only one geostationary orbit-a belt circling the earth’s equator at an altitude of roughly 35, 786 kilometers. It should also be clear that it is not possible to orbit a satellite which is stationary over a point which is not on the equator.