Geostationary orbit

A circular orbit above Earth’s equator with the same period as Earth’s rotation, making a satellite remain above one longitude. Its altitude is about 35,786 kilometers above mean sea level.

Geostationary satellite: A satellite in a geostationary orbit that appears fixed above one point on Earth. It is the object whose apparent stillness the orbit produces.
Satellite communication: Communication that uses artificial satellites to relay signals between distant locations. A fixed satellite simplifies links with ground antennas that need not track it.
Geosynchronous orbit: An orbit whose period equals Earth’s rotation, though its path may be inclined or elliptical. Only the circular, equatorial geosynchronous case appears fixed above one surface point.
Geostationary orbit slots: Orbital positions along the geostationary belt coordinated to reduce interference between satellites. Satellites sharing the belt require controlled spacing to avoid radio-frequency conflicts.
Orbital period: The time a body takes to complete one orbit around another body. The orbit’s period matches Earth’s rotation relative to the stars.
Weather satellite: An artificial satellite that observes atmospheric conditions and weather systems. Geostationary weather satellites repeatedly image the same broad region.
Low Earth orbit: An orbit around Earth at altitudes generally below 2,000 kilometers. Its short orbital period makes satellites sweep rapidly across the sky.
Satellite station-keeping: Orbital maneuvers that keep a satellite within its assigned position or trajectory. Lunar and solar gravity perturbations would otherwise move a satellite away from its slot.
Sidereal day: Earth’s rotation period relative to distant stars, about 23 hours and 56 minutes. Its duration sets the period required for geostationary motion.
GOES: A United States series of geostationary weather satellites operated by NOAA. GOES satellites use this orbit for continuous monitoring of the Americas.

Linked from 33 pages