Description

A geocentric object orbits around the Earth. There are several classifications, one of which is based on the objects altitude.


 

Altitude

Term for Earth Orbit

Abbreviation

160 to 2,000 km

(100 to 1,240 miles)

low

LEO

2,000 to 35,786 km

(1,240 to 22,236 miles)

medium (intermediate circular)

MEO

> 35,786 km

(> 22,240 miles)

high

HEO

 

The height cutoff between MEO and HEO (35,786 km or 22,236 miles) allows for a geosynchronous orbit. A geosynchronous orbit completes one full orbit of the earth per sidereal day (relative to distant stars). Its orbit may (a) follow the equator or (b) deviate north and south of the equator.

 

A geostationary orbit is a subset of geosynchronous orbit. This stays exactly above the equator.


To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.