Multiple choice

Satellites used for telecommunications relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when

  1. The orbit is geosynchronous.
  2. the orbit is circular.
  3. The orbit lies in the place of the Earth’s equator.
  4. The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236 km.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1, 2 and 3 only

  2. 1, 3 and 4 only

  3. 2 and 4 only

  4. All 1, 2, 3 and 4
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. A geostationary orbit (or Geostationary Earth Orbit - GEO) is a type of geosynchronous orbit directly above the Earth\'s equator (0° latitude).

Statements 2 and 3 are correct. A satellite in a synchronous orbit that is both equatorial and circular will appear to be suspended motionless above a point on the orbited planet\'s equator. Statement 4 is incorrect. Geostationary orbit is at an altitude of 22, 236 miles, not km. In km, the altitude comes to be 35,786 km.

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