Asynchronous Satellite Orbits

Asynchronous Orbits

Asynchronous Satellite Orbits are lower than geostationary orbits. Satellites in asynchronous orbit will pass overhead at different times of the day. Asynchronous Orbits are in different altitudes.

(80 to 1,200 miles )480 to 970 km - Asynchronous Orbits

Main type of satellite in these altitudes is Observation satellite. Observation satellites are used for tasks like photography. Observation satellites perform tasks such as:

• Mapping
• Ice and sand movement
• Locating environmental situations
• Locating mineral deposits
• Finding crop problems

Search-and-rescue satellites are also works in these altitudes. Search-and-rescue satellites act as relay stations to rebroadcast emergency radio-beacon signals from a downed aircraft or ship in trouble.

The Space Shuttles and other man mission capsules are also operating in these altitudes.

3,000 to 6,000 miles(4,800 to 9,700 km). 

Some of the Science satellites are operating in altitudes of 3,000 to 6,000 miles (4,800 to 9,700 km). They send their research data to Earth via radio telemetry signals. Scientific satellite applications include:

• Researching plants and animals
• Earth science, such as monitoring volcanoes
• Tracking wildlife
• Astronomy, using the Infrared Astronomy Satellite  

6,000 to 12,000 miles - Asynchronous Orbits

Navigation satellites are operating at altitudes of 6,000 to 12,000 miles. Most popular navigation satellite is the satellite used for Global Positioning System (GPS). These satellites can determine the exact location of the GPS receiver. The GPS receiver may be located: 

• In a ship at sea
• In another spacecraft
• In an airplane
• In an automobile
• In your pocket 

Navigation satellites

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.