This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Mirwin (talk | contribs) at 15:51, 25 February 2002 (Initial draft, needs some things,cool link available to statite). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 15:51, 25 February 2002 by Mirwin (talk | contribs) (Initial draft, needs some things,cool link available to statite)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)A geosynchronous orbit is achieved by placing an artifact at the proper distance from Earth in a circular orbit such that the satellite stays over the same point on the surface of the Earth.
This can be demonstrated analytically by application of the Law of Gravity and the physics of centripetal acceleration. Drawing the free body diagram and using the analysis methods of engineering dynamics and Physics allows the determination of the distance from Earth's center of mass which will satisfy this specified operating condition.
Free Body Diagram
insert diagram here
insert Tex or other math here
In practice, several different practical methods of station keeping allow satellites to remain over a required region of the Earth's surface.
Examples
Elliptical orbits can and are designed for commercial communications satellites that keep the satellite within view of its assigned ground stations or recievers.
Theoretically Statites can use active thrust to balance a portion of the gravity forces experienced. Thus it can be "geo synchronous" in an orbit different from the traditional definition established in the early era of initial space exploration activities.