Compare and contrast geostationary and low polar orbits.

Geostationary orbits are only possible at one distance from Earth. This is because the very nature of the geostationary orbit requires the satellite to have the same time period as the rotational period of the Earth. In contrast, a low polar orbit can exist at a number of different distances and tends to have an orbital period of twelve hours as opposed to twenty four. Geostationary satellites remain in the same place relative to Earth and low polar satellites move, covering every part of the Earth's surface in only a short time frame. This difference helps to separate the orbits into different applications; geostationary satellites are good for communication as the satellite does not need to be tracked and a constant signal can be maintained. In contrast, the low polar satellite is better for surveillance as it covers so much ground.

TH
Answered by Tesni H. Physics tutor

7621 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

If a ball is thrown on the Moon, the projectile would have a greater range than if it were to have been thrown on Earth. Why is this the case?


A conical pendulum is a mass suspended from a point that traces out a horizontal circle. By balancing the weight with the tension in the string, determine the speed of the bob.


How do you calculate the Earth's escape velocity?


A gun of mass 10kg fires a bullet of mass 240g at a speed of 300ms-1. What is the speed of the gun's recoil?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences