Orbits: LEO, MEO, GEO and GTO for Satellites An orbit is a closed path that a satellite follows around a planet. The satellite's journey can be divided i...
An orbit is a closed path that a satellite follows around a planet. The satellite's journey can be divided into three distinct parts:
1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
LEO is the most common orbit, bringing a satellite closer to the ground than Earth's surface.
LEO orbits are low enough that they experience extreme solar heating, causing the satellite to re-emmit almost all the light it absorbs.
LEO is a temporary orbit, lasting only a few days before the satellite re-enters the Earth's atmosphere.
2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
MEO is an orbit higher than LEO but lower than GEO.
In MEO, the satellite has a longer stay in space, allowing for longer missions.
Due to the higher altitude, MEO satellites experience less solar heating, making them much more durable than LEO satellites.
3. GEO (Geosynchronous Orbit)
A GEO orbit is the highest orbit that is feasible for a satellite.
Satellites in GEO orbit remain stationary relative to the Earth's surface.
This allows them to maintain continuous contact with the ground and are essential for various applications, including communications, weather forecasting, and Earth observation.
4. Transfer Orbit (TGO)
A TGO is a special type of orbit used to transfer a satellite between LEO and GEO.
Unlike LEO and MEO, a TGO is an elliptical orbit that gradually increases in altitude.
During the TGO phase, the satellite gradually climbs into a higher and higher GEO orbit.
Examples:
LEO: The International Space Station orbits in LEO.
MEO: The weather satellite "Metron" is in MEO.
GEO: Communications satellite "Hot Bird" is in GEO.
TGO: The satellite "New Horizons" was launched on a TGO before entering GEO.
Understanding these different orbits is crucial for designing and building satellites for various purposes. Each orbit offers unique characteristics that cater to specific applications, which is why they are chosen based on the desired mission's requirements