Geosynchronous orbit: Difference between revisions

A '''geosynchronous orbit''' is an orbit around a planet with an orbital period matching the planet's sidereal rotation period. A satellite having a geosynchronous orbit will orbit relative to the same, fixed position on its parent body (e.g. [[Earth]]) at the exact same time each day. The term geosynchronous can be used to describe any orbital pattern with a period equal to that of its orbiting body, and in the same direction as the parent's rotation, but is specifically used for orbits with no inclination and a semimajor axis of equal length to the minor axis (i.e. circular). This means that the orbiting body essentially appears to 'hover' or hold over a specific location during the entirety of its orbit. This also referred to as a geostationary orbit.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geosynchronous_Orbit</ref>

[[Orbital Defense Platform]]s in particular make use of geostationary orbits to protect certain ground regions from attack; [[Cairo Station]], for example, orbited directly over the city of Cairo, taking its name. The Athens Station also orbited above the [[Greece|Greek]] city of [[Athens (City)|Athens]]. Other satellites, predominately telecommunication satellites, orbit in traditional geosynchronous orbits, holding over the same point during every rotation of the [[Earth]]. The terminus stations of [[Space Elevator]]s are also anchored to the geosynchronous orbit.