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Geosynchronous orbit vs Geostationary Orbit | difference between Geosynchronous orbit and Geostationary Orbit

This page compares Geosynchronous Orbit Vs Geostationary Orbit and provide difference between Geosynchronous Orbit and Geostationary Orbit.

Geosynchronous orbit vs Geostationary orbit

The figure-1 depicts Geosynchronous orbit and Geostationary orbit types.

Geosynchronous Orbit

Following are the features of Geosynchronous Orbit:
• The orbit around the Earth with orbit period equal to one sidereal day (i.e. 23 Hrs, 56 minutes, 4 seconds) is known as Geosynchronous orbit. The word "synchronous" means object in this orbit returns to the same position after period of 1 sidereal day to the observer on the Earth surface.
• There many such orbits around the Earth.
• It may be circular or non-circular types.
• Geosynchronous satellite has inclination with respect to equator.

Geostationary Orbit

Following are the features of Geostationary Orbit:
• The circular orbit at the altitude of 35768 Kms above the equator of the Earth which follows direction of rotation of the Earth is known as Geostationary orbit.
• Object in this orbit has period equal to rotation period of the earth. Hence it appears motionless from earth or at fixed position to observers on the ground w.r.t. his/her position. This is similar to how star looks to observers on the earth. Hence the word "stationary".
• There is only one such orbit around the Earth.
• It is one type of Geosynchronous orbit.
• It is circular orbit.
• Geostationary satellite has zero inclination with respect to equator.

Conclusion: Every Geostationary orbit is a Geosynchronous orbit but reverse is not possible.

Comparison of GEO with LEO and MEO | Advantages and Disadvantages of GEO Orbit

LEO vs MEO vs GEO orbits

The figure-2 depicts all three types of satellite orbits LEO, MEO and GEO. HEO is also shown in the figure. Refer LEO vs MEO vs GEO >> which mentions table of comparison between LEO, MEO and GEO orbit types.
➨Refer advantages and disadvantages of LEO, MEO and GEO orbits.
•  Advantages and disadvantages of LEO >>
•  Advantages and disadvantages of MEO >>
•  Advantages and disadvantages of GEO >>


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