Satellites orbiting the Earth come in three main types: geostationary (GEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and low Earth orbit (LEO). Each type serves distinct purposes and operates at varying distances from the Earth’s surface. Geostationary satellites maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth’s surface, orbiting at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers. Due to their fixed position, they are commonly used for telecommunications, broadcasting, and weather monitoring, providing continuous coverage over a specific region.
Medium Earth orbit satellites operate at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 35,786 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. These satellites are often utilized for navigation systems, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), as well as for communication and surveillance purposes. They strike a balance between the coverage area of geostationary satellites and the lower latency of low Earth orbit satellites.
Low Earth orbit satellites orbit at altitudes less than 2,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, typically ranging from a few hundred to about 2,000 kilometers. They move at high speeds relative to the Earth and complete an orbit roughly every 90 minutes. LEO satellites are commonly employed for various purposes, including Earth observation, scientific research, and global internet connectivity projects. Due to their proximity to the Earth, they offer low latency and high-resolution imaging capabilities.
In summary, the three main types of satellites orbiting the Earth are geostationary (GEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and low Earth orbit (LEO). Each type serves different purposes and operates at varying distances from the Earth’s surface, providing a wide range of functionalities from telecommunications and navigation to Earth observation and internet connectivity.
(Response: Geostationary, Medium Earth Orbit, and Low Earth Orbit are the three types of satellites around the Earth.)