geostationary orbit
Sign in to savegeosynchronous orbit with zero eccentricity at a fixed longitude and a nominally fixed latitude; common orbit for communications satellites
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A geostationary orbit is a special position in space where a satellite stays in the same spot above Earth at all times, making it ideal for communications since it doesn't move across the sky. This matters because satellites in this orbit can continuously transmit signals to the same region of Earth without needing to be tracked or repositioned.
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Two geostationary satellites in the same orbit A 5° × 6° view of a part of the geostationary belt, showing several geostationary satellites. Those with inclination 0° form a diagonal belt across the image; a few objects with small inclinations to the Equator are visible above this line. The satellites are pinpoint, while stars have created star trails due to Earth's rotation.
A geostationary orbit, also referred to as a GEO or GSO, is a circular geosynchronous orbit 35,786 km (22,236 mi) in altitude above Earth's equator, 42,164 km (26,199 mi) in radius from Earth's center, and following the direction of Earth's rotation.