these satellites move from east to west. ). Equatorial orbits (if at the right altitude (GEO)) allow a satellite to hover above one location. Because they move at the same velocity as the Earth and on a path that is parallel to the Earthâs rotation, they appear to be stationary in the sky. Based on the distance from Earth, the types of orbits are classified into low earth orbit, medium earth orbit, the geostationary orbit, and high earth orbit.Each of these orbits serves specific applications concerning coverage area, cost, and purpose. We will take a look at all of the orbits mentioned above and understand the purpose they serve due to their unique vantage points. (Special case i = 180, what do you think this would imply? Geostationary satellites orbit in the earth's equatorial plane at a height of 38,500 km. Near equatorial orbit: An orbit whose inclination with respect to the equatorial plane is nearly zero. The quick answer, is, of course it is a satellite whose orbit is always directly above the equator, but I can give a little context too. We will talk about this later) Polar orbit â Orbits with i = 90; Direct or prograde orbits â Orbits with i < 90; Retrograde orbits â Orbits with i > 90 (Orbits where the satellite moves in the opposite direction of Earthâs rotation, i.e. Equatorial coordinates: An Earth-based system useful for pointing telescopes with axes that are parallel to the Earth's polar axis and equator (called equatorial mount telescopes). This orbit allows for rapid revisit times (for a single orbiting spacecraft) of near equatorial ground sites. Luckily, we also have a more specific definition of an equatorial orbit ⦠A near-equatorial orbit is an orbit that lies close to the equatorial plane of the object orbited. Other than about 90 degrees of inclination? Inclination is measured in 180 Degrees. Located at 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above Earth's equator, this position is ⦠Equatorial orbit: A non-inclined orbit with respect to the equator. Equatorial orbit â Orbits with i = 0. And marks that with citation needed. ... and second, the Earth's orbit is elliptical and the Earth moves faster along its orbit when closer to the Sun. This orbit allows consistent scientific observations with the angle between the Sun and the Earthâs surface remaining relatively constant. At this height, the satellite's orbital period matches the rotation of the Earth, so the satellite seems to stay stationary over the same point on the equator. Indeed. Polar orbits allow full global coverage. GEO â Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit These satellites, also sometimes called geostationary satellites, are probably the most widely recognized and most well-understood types of satellites. Positive Values for the Northern Hemisphere: (1 to 180) Negative Values for the Southern Hemisphere: (-1 to -180) Direction of Orbit is Relative to the selected Inclination Value used, as shown in picture. A geostationary equatorial orbit (GEO) is a circular geosynchronous orbit in the plane of the Earth's equator with a radius of approximately 42,164 km (measured from the center of the Earth). The Incline or Angle of your Orbit relative to a Default Equatorial Orbit. This orbit allows for rapid revisit times (for a single orbiting spacecraft) of near-equatorial ground sites. A geostationary orbit (also known as a geostationary Earth orbit, geosynchronous equatorial orbit, or simply GEO) is a circular orbit located at an altitude of 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above the surface of Earth with zero inclination to the equatorial plane. A geosynchronous orbit is a high Earth orbit that allows satellites to match Earth's rotation. These illustrations show 3 consecutive orbits of a sun-synchronous satellite with an equatorial crossing time of 1:30 pm.