Table of Contents
What might happen to a satellite in low Earth orbit?
The Short Answer: Two things can happen to old satellites: For the closer satellites, engineers will use its last bit of fuel to slow it down so it will fall out of orbit and burn up in the atmosphere. Further satellites are instead sent even farther away from Earth.
Can low earth orbit satellites be used for communications?
Low earth orbits (LEOs) can also be effectively used for satellite communications. LEO orbits range from 250 to 1000 miles and signal time delays are of the order of only 5 to 10 msec.
How are geosynchronous satellites launched from Earth?
Most launch vehicles place geosynchronous satellites directly into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), an elliptical orbit with an apogee at GSO height and a low perigee. On-board satellite propulsion is then used to raise the perigee, circularise and reach GSO.
What type of fuel do satellites use to orbit Earth?
Most satellites orbiting the Earth using hypergolic fuel/oxidizer combinations (meaning they combust when they contact each other. While hydrazine is one of the most common chemical fuels ion thrust is an increasingly common method of station keeping for satellites. Rockets use both solid and liquid fuels.
What is the difference between Geosynchronous Earth orbit and geostationary orbit?
In technical terminology, the geosynchronous orbits are often referred to as geostationary if they are roughly over the equator, but the terms are used somewhat interchangeably. Specifically, geosynchronous Earth orbit ( GEO) may be a synonym for geosynchronous equatorial orbit, or geostationary Earth orbit.
How does a satellite change its orbit?
From transfer orbit, a satellite conducts engine burns to circularize its orbit and change its inclination. Both SES-8 and GSAT-14 were bound for geostationary orbits, so we say that the Falcon and GSLV launched their payloads to geostationary transfer orbits.