INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
Low-Earth-Orbit ( LEO ) |
Middle-Earth-Orbit ( MEO ) |
Geostationary-Earth- |
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Orbit ( GEO ) |
Altitude 600-1,600 km 9,000-15,000 km 37,000 km
Rotation Time |
90 minutes - 3 hours |
24 hours per day elliptical |
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orbital |
24 hours , synchronous with the Earth ’ s rotation
Advantages - Reduces signal delay . - Eliminates the need for large equipment such as antenna receiver .
- Simple satellite design . - Requires very few handovers .
- Able to cover the entire Earth using only three satellites . - The antenna does not need to be adjusted by simply setting it to a fixed position . - Longer life expectancy ( 15 years ). - Provides an overview of climate change on Earth . - Broadcast television without disruptions .
Disadvantages - Covers only a small area . - Has a short lifespan ( 5-8 years ).
- Requires specific antenna . - Requires higher power transmission .
- Requires larger antenna for the northern and southern hemispheres of the earth . - High-rise buildings can weaken the transmission signal . - Costly to send GEO satellites into orbit .
Application Little LEO ( 0.8 GHz ) - Vehicle tracking , environmental monitoring and two-way data communication . - Used for short , narrowband communications .
Big LEO ( 2 GHz ) - The main uses are data communications and real-time voice delivery to hand-held devices . - Used for technology devices such as highspeed , high-bandwidth data communications , and video conferencing .
Mega LEO ( 20-30 GHz ) - Mainly handles broadband data . These systems are optimised for packet-switched data rather than voice .
- Orbits are primarily reserved for communications satellites that cover the North and South Poles . - The navigation system of GPS ( Global Positioning Systems ) that covers the entire planet .
- Observations of climate change on Earth and in communications systems .
Main types of orbits and their specifications
78 VOL 67 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2016