In a geostationary orbit, the satellite remains directly above a specific location on Earth at all times, which is useful for communications and navigation satellites. A satellite in geostationary orbit will complete an orbit every 24 hours. What evidence from the text supports a claim that geostationary satellites must orbit at a specific height above sea level?

Question

AThe distance between an orbiting satellite and the object it orbits is related to the satellite's speed.

B Gravity holds the satellite in orbit.

C Satellites do not all orbit at the same distance from Earth.

D An object in LEO must travel faster than an object in HEO.

Answer 1

The evidence from the text that supports the claim that geostationary satellites must orbit at a specific height above sea level is:

A. The distance between an orbiting satellite and the object it orbits is related to the satellite's speed.

This statement implies that for a satellite to maintain a geostationary position (i.e., remain directly above a specific point on Earth), it must orbit at a specific height where its orbital speed matches the rotational speed of the Earth. This necessitates a precise altitude for geostationary satellites, confirming that they must orbit at a specific height above sea level.