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

10906 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A uniform plank of wood of mass 32 kg and length 4.0 m is used to cross a ditch. In the ditch is a rock, which is used to support the plank horizontally 0.80 m from one end. The other end is supported by the bank. Calculate the rock's supporting force.


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?


What is an ohmic resistor? How to check if a resistor is ohmic?


Can you explain the Work-Energy principle and how you can apply it in a simple situation such as a box sliding down a rough slope?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning