The GATE Grind

GATE 2024 AE – Question 26

Flight Mechanics & Space Dynamics · Space dynamics: central force motion, Keplerian orbits, Kepler's laws and escape velocity · 1 mark · Multiple select

Which of the following statements is/are correct about a satellite moving in a geostationary orbit?

  1. The orbit lies in the equatorial plane
  2. The orbit is circular about the center of the Earth
  3. The time period of motion is 90 minutes
  4. The satellite is visible from all parts of the Earth

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) The orbit lies in the equatorial plane; (B) The orbit is circular about the center of the Earth

Explanation

A satellite stays over one point on the ground only if it orbits in the equatorial plane, in a circle about the Earth's centre, with a period of one sidereal day (about 24 hours, not 90 minutes). From a height of about 36,000 km it sees only a part of the Earth and not the polar regions.