What height do geostationary satellites orbit above the Earths surface?

You are given the following values: Me = 6x1024 kgRe = 6.37x106 mA geostationary satellite appears to an observer on the ground to always be at the same position on the sky. This means its orbit must be circular with a period of T = 24hr. [Strictly geostationary orbits are also equatorial, otherwise the position would oscillate north/south].For a circular orbit the centripetal force is provided by the gravitational force from the Earth (Fg = Fc). The formulae for these forces are:Fg = GMm/(r2)Fc = mw2r (or mv2/r then use v = wr)Equating leads to:GMm/(r2) = mw2r Rearrangement gives:r3 = GM/(w2)Substituting w = 2pi*f = 2pi/T and taking the cube root gives:r = cuberoot( GMT2/ 4pi2)BUT this is the distance of the orbit from the centre of the Earth, for its height above the surface we have to subtract Re.h = r - Re = cuberoot( GMT2 / 4pi2) - ReSubstituting the values given at the start of the question, the value of G, and converting T = 24hr = 86400s gives:3.59x106 m or ~36,000 km.

WM
Answered by Will M. Physics tutor

9421 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

The friction coefficient of Formula 1 car tyres are around 1.7 in dry weather. Assuming sufficient power from the engine, calculate the theoretical best 0-100 km/h acceleration time in seconds. (neglect downforce, g=9.81m/s^2)


What is an inertial frame of reference?


An electron and a proton are in any electric field E=5x10^2 V/m. What is their speed 1.0 cm after being released?


What happens to ice when energy is supplied at a constant rate in terms of the changes in energy of the molecules?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning