write notes on orbits of satellites

Answer 1

- Satellites orbit around celestial bodies, such as Earth or other planets, in a specific path known as an orbit.
- The most common type of orbit for satellites is called a geostationary orbit. Satellites in geostationary orbit are positioned at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers above Earth's equator. They orbit in the same direction as Earth's rotation, which allows them to remain stationary relative to a specific point on Earth's surface. This is advantageous for telecommunications and weather satellites as they can cover a fixed area consistently.
- Another type of orbit is the low Earth orbit (LEO), which is closer to Earth's surface, usually ranging from 160 to 2,000 kilometers in altitude. LEO is commonly used by communication, navigation, and Earth observation satellites. Satellites in LEO orbit at higher speeds than those in geostationary orbit, completing an orbit in a shorter period.
- Polar orbits are a specific type of LEO where satellites go over Earth's poles in each orbit. This allows them to cover the entire surface of Earth over time, which is useful for Earth observation and mapping missions.
- Medium Earth orbits (MEO) are located between LEO and geostationary orbits, typically at an altitude of several thousand kilometers. Satellites in MEO, like those used for global positioning systems (GPS), provide a balance between coverage area and round-trip time, making them ideal for navigation and timing applications.
- Highly elliptical orbits (HEO) are elongated elliptical-shaped orbits where satellites reach high altitudes when farthest from Earth. This type of orbit is useful for communication and weather satellites that require a continuous view of specific regions or need to cover high latitudes.
- The inclination of an orbit refers to the angle at which the orbit is tilted relative to Earth's equator. Satellites in polar orbits have an inclination of approximately 90 degrees, allowing them to pass over Earth's poles. Inclinations closer to zero degrees are typical for satellites in geostationary orbits. Other satellites may have inclinations in between, depending on their specific requirements.
- Orbits can be affected by external factors such as gravity, atmospheric drag, and perturbations caused by the presence of other celestial bodies. Regular adjustments, either through thrusters or gravitational assists, may be necessary to maintain a satellite's desired orbit and prevent it from drifting off course.
- The choice of orbit for a satellite depends on its intended purpose, coverage requirements, and operational constraints. Different orbits offer various advantages and trade-offs in terms of coverage area, visibility, round-trip time, and cost.