Types of Satellite Orbits



Types of Satellite Orbits

Satellite orbits are mainly classified into three based on the satellite's position relative to Earth's surface.
 First one is called Geostationary Orbits or Geosynchronous or Synchronous orbits.  In this orbit the satellite is always positioned over the same spot on Earth. 

Geostationary Orbits

Geostationary satellites are positioned in a band along the equator, at an altitude of about 35,786 km / 22,223 miles. Television, communications and weather satellites use geostationary orbits.
Second types of orbits are called Asynchronous Orbit. This orbit is much lower than geostationary orbits. Satellites in asynchronous orbit will pass overhead at different times of the day. The space stations and many other satellites are positioned in an asynchronous orbit at various  altitudes depending of the application of satellite. 
 Asynchronous Orbit

Third type of orbit is called Polar Orbit. In polar orbit, the satellite generally flies at a low altitude. The satellite in this orbit passes over the planet's poles on each revolution. 


  Polar Orbit
The polar orbit remains fixed in space and Earth rotates inside the polar orbit. As a result almost all part of earth passes under a satellite in a polar orbit and satellites in polar orbits achieve excellent coverage of the planet.  They are often used for remote sensing satellites.