🔬 Science & TechnologyUPSC 2011Space & Space Technology

Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when:1. The orbit is geosynchronous.2. The orbit is circular.3. The orbit lies in the plane of the Earth’s equator.4. The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236 km.Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a1, 2 and 3 only
b1, 3 and 4 only
c2 and 4 only
d1, 2, 3 and 4
✓ Correct answer: a) 1, 2 and 3 only
ExplanationStatement 1 is correct: Geostationary Orbit is a type of geosynchronous orbit.The earth rotates in the same direction that satellites do.It lasts for roughly 24 hours and holds its place in relation to the earth.Statement 2 is correct: The orbit must be nearly circular, ensuring that the satellite’s distance from Earth remains constant throughout its revolution.An elliptical orbit would cause the satellite to move closer and farther from Earth, disrupting its stationary position.Statement 3 is correct: A Geostationary Orbit (GEO) is a special case of a Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) where the satellite orbits exactly in the Earth’s equatorial plane (0° inclination).This ensures that the satellite appears fixed over a specific point on Earth.Statement 4 is incorrect: Geostationary orbit is at an altitude of around 35,786 km.123

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