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.

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

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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