Lesson 05: Satellite Orbits

Satellite Orbits

Satellites (spacecraft) which orbit the earth follow the same laws that govern the motion of the planets around sun.

Type of Satellite Orbit

• Equatorial Orbit
• Inclined Orbit
• Polar Orbit

Type of satellite (in term of orbit)

• GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit) satellites orbit about 36,000 km above Earth’s surface.

• LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites are about 500-1500 km above earth’s surface.

• MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) satellites are about 6000-20,000 km above earth’s surface.

• HEO (Highly Elliptical Orbit) satellites.

source: UTM note.