satellite orbit
Space loop route
A satellite orbit is the curved path a satellite follows as it travels around a larger body like Earth or the Sun.
The term covers both natural satellites (moons) and artificial ones (spacecraft).
Different orbits serve different purposes: geostationary orbit keeps communication satellites fixed over one spot, while low Earth orbit suits the space station.
The shape, altitude, and inclination of an orbit determine what the satellite can do and see.
- trajectoryPath of moving object
- rotationTurning on an axis
- ellipticalOval-shaped or indirect
- geostationaryFixed above one point
- moonNatural planetary satellite
spacecraft · altitude · revolution · decay · rocket launch · launch · gravity · escape velocity · apogee · perigee · space junk · debris · station · path · circling · weightless · velocity · tracking
- orbital termsaphelion, perihelion, apogee, perigee, eccentricity
- spacespace, sun, moon, stars, star
- space termsmoon, star, planet, rocket, galaxy
- trajectoriestrajectory, arc, path, parabola, flight path
- satellite termsuplink, downlink, transponder, transponders, ground station
- spinningspin, rotate, revolve, whirl, twirl
satellite, orbit, satellites, orbits, orbited, orbiting, orbital, orbitals, orbiter