a communications satellite with a 24-hour period hovers over a fixed point on ea

Question

a communications satellite with a 24-hour period hovers over a fixed point on earth and, to earth observers, seems motionless. why is it placed in an orbit in the plane of earth's equator? in your discussion, think of the satellite's orbit as a ring around earth. a communications satellite with a 24-hour period hovers over a fixed point on earth and, to earth observers, seems motionless. why is it placed in an orbit in the plane of earth's equator? in your discussion, think of the satellite's orbit as a ring around earth. a communications satellite with a 24-hour period hovers over a fixed point on earth and, to earth observers, seems motionless. why is it placed in an orbit in the plane of earth's equator? in your discussion, think of the satellite's orbit as a ring around earth.

Explanation / Answer

The plane of every orbit must pass through the center of the earth, because the gravity force acts from there.

a satellite in an orbit in the plane of the earth's equator and with the required altitude and period, does remain fixed over a point on the equator.the revolving speed of satellite is same as speed of earth and required centripetal force is provided by earth gravitational field.since the speed of satellite is same as earth speed it seems to be stationary with respect to point on the earth. This equatorial geosynchronous orbit is what is referred to as a geostationary orbit.the time period is same as earth time period.

The orbital velocity of satellites in this orbit is ~10,088.25 feet per second or ~6,877 MPH. The point on the orbit where the circular velocity of the launching rocket reaches 10,088.25 fps, and shuts down, is the point where the separated satellite will remain. The point on the Earth's surface immediately below the satellite is moving with a velocity of 1525.85 ft./sec.

if it is not kept in plane of equator,then it would appear to change its position from north to south

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