EARTH ORBIT What is an orbit? An orbit represents the trajectory or path followed by any object in space, be it a satellite or a planet, as it revolves around a larger celestial body due to the gravitational pull it experiences.
Types of Earth Orbit
Types of Earth Orbit
Plane through Equator
Plane through Earth’s axis
Plane inclined at someangle to Equator
By inclination
Satellite orbit
Satellite orbit
Satellite track over Equator
Satellite track covering a range of latitudes in Northen and Southern hemispheres Inclined Orbit
Satellite track covering all parts of Earth as planet rotates
Equatorial Orbit
Polar Orbit
Earth’s rotation
Equatorial orbit
Polar orbit
Inclined orbit
By shape
Earth at centre
Apogee (farthest distance)
Earth at one focus of ellipse
All points of satellite orbit at about the same altitude
Elliptical orbit
Circular orbit
Elliptical orbit
Perigee (closest distance)
Circular orbit
By altitude
535,800 km (22,300miles) altitude 535,800 km (22,300miles) altitude
By altitude
Orbital period of satellite equal to rotational period of Earth
5,000-10,000 (3,100-6,200 miles) altitude (typical)
About 160-2,000 km (100-1,20) miles altitude
Satellite orbit in equatorial plane
L Lo owwE Ea ar trht hOOr br bi ti t( L( LE EOO) ) Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
Geostationary orbit (GEO)
Types of Orbits:
ESA, NASA, Encyclopedia Britannica
1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Situated closest to the Earth’s surface at altitude between 160 km and 2,000 km. LEO is home to numerous satellites, the International Space Station (ISS), and space shuttle missions. It is characterised by relatively short orbital periods. 2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): Located at intermediate altitudes between 5,000 km and 10,000 km. MEO is utilised for navigation satellites such as GPS and some communication satellites. 3. Geostationary Orbit (GEO): Positioned directly over the equator, GEO satellites orbit at the same rate as Earth’s rotation, giving them the appearance of being stationary from the ground. They are well-suited for communication and weather observation. 4. Polar Orbit: This orbit traverses over the Earth’s poles, providing global coverage with each orbit. It is used mainly for earth observation and mapping purposes. 5. Sun-Synchronous Orbit: Also referred to as a ‘dawn-dusk’ orbit, these satellites are synchronised so that they are constant at dawn or dusk. The orbit is located at an altitude of between 600 km and 800 km and maintains a consistent angle between the orbital plane and the Sun. 6. Elliptical Orbit: An orbit that takes on an oval shape, where the object’s distance from the celestial body it orbits fluctuates throughout its path. 7. Heliocentric Orbit: This type of orbit revolves around the Sun rather than a planet and is commonly used for missions exploring the solar system.
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Malaysian Technology Strategic Outlook 2023/2024 Energy, Healthcare & Space Industry
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