Consider earth satellites in circular orbits. A geostationary satellite must be at a height of about 36000 Km from the earth’s surface. Will any satellite moving at this height be a geostationary satellite? Will any satellite moving at this height have a time period of 24 hours?

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

To be a geostationary satellite, the time period of its revolution should be equal to the time period of earth’s rotation. To achieve this, the radius should be equal to approximately 36000 kms. The inclination of a satellite can vary, but the radius should be maintained.

From the equation of time period, the period of revolution comes about 24 hrs. for a height of 36000 kms (42400 km from the center of the earth).