Amateur ExtraE2A10
What type of satellite appears to stay in one position in the sky?
B
Answer
Operating procedures and special operations
Type
A
HEO
B
Geostationary
C
Geomagnetic
D
LEO
Answer Notes
A geostationary satellite orbits the Earth at the exact same rotational speed as the planet itself. Because its orbital period is exactly 24 hours and it is positioned directly over the equator, it appears completely stationary to an observer on the ground.
This stationary appearance eliminates the need for complex tracking antennas on the ground, as a fixed antenna can simply be pointed at the satellite's permanent location in the sky.
Other choices like LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and HEO (Highly Elliptical Orbit) involve satellites that move rapidly across the sky and require active antenna tracking. "Geomagnetic" is a distractor relating to the Earth's magnetic field, not a physical orbit.
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What do the terms “L band” and “S band” specify?
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What type of antenna can be used to minimize the effects of spin modulation and Faraday rotation?