Question

When installing a communication satellite, which type of orbit is preferred? Elliptical or circular? Why?

Answer 1

Answer: Circular Medium Earth Orbits (MEO) are prefered for communication.

Responsive Communications missions typically require “persistent communications, repeat coverage that lasts for an extended period or the entire day.

Advantges of MEO: The medium earth orbit [MEO] is very useful in providing connectivity and navigation to the polar regions. An orbital period of 12 hours can be achieved by satellites in this region. That is a unique period that allows these satellites to orbit Earth twice in one day. The purpose of most of the satellites in the MEO are communication, navigation, and to provide a gravity-less environment for scientific experiments.

Why not LEO and GEO: Low earth orbit (LEO ) orbits cannot provide this coverage without a large number of satellites and GEO satellites are typically large and expensive, with a long development time.