Page 30 - SATELLITE AND RADAR COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

1c Sketch types of circular orbit in satellite communication
Three (3) types of circular orbit;

1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
3. Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO)

There are three types of circular orbit shape which is Low Earth
1d
Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Geostationary Earth
Orbit (GEO). Explain LEO and give ONE (1) of its application.

• A low Earth orbit (LEO) is, as the name suggests, an orbit that
is relatively close to Earth’s surface.

• It is normally at an altitude of less than 1000 km but could be
as low as 160 km above Earth – which is low compared to
other orbits, but still very far above Earth’s surface.

• Satellites in this orbit travel at a speed of around 7.8 km per
second; at this speed, a satellite takes approximately 90

minutes to circle Earth, meaning the International Space
Station (ISS) travels around Earth about 16 times a day.

• LEO satellites don’t stay in fixed position relative to the
surface, and are only visible for 15 to 20 minutes each pass.
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• Application: Satellite telephone, ISS.

Introduction to Satellite Communication System—Tutorial 1