Question
What type of satellite appears to stay in one position in the sky?
Answer Options
- A) HEO
- B) Geostationary
- C) Geomagnetic
- D) LEO
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
The majority of amateur satellites are in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO), meaning they move rapidly across the sky, requiring constant tracking. However, there is a special class of orbit that results in the satellite remaining stationary relative to a point on the Earth’s surface.
A geostationary satellite orbits the Earth directly above the equator at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) and orbits at the same speed as the Earth rotates. From the perspective of a ground station, this satellite appears to hang motionless in a fixed position in the sky, requiring no tracking antenna rotation, but requiring a high-gain dish antenna due to the extreme distance.
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