Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

|

Geostationary Orbits (CIE A Level Physics)

Revision Note

Test yourself
Leander

Author

Leander

Last updated

Geostationary orbits

  • Many communication satellites around Earth follow a geostationary orbit
  • This is a specific type of orbit in which the satellite:
    • Remains directly above the equator, therefore, it always orbits at the same point above the Earth’s surface
    • Moves from west to east (same direction as the Earth spins)
    • Has an orbital time period equal to Earth’s rotational period of 24 hours

  • Geostationary satellites are used for telecommunication transmissions (e.g. radio) and television broadcast
  • A base station on Earth sends the TV signal up to the satellite where it is amplified and broadcast back to the ground to the desired locations
  • The satellite receiver dishes on the Earth's surface must point towards the same point in the sky
    • Since the geostationary orbits of the satellites are fixed, the receiver dishes can be fixed too

Geostationary satellite in orbit

Geostationary orbit satellite, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Satellite in geostationary orbit remain directly above the equator, and a circular orbit equal to that of the Earth

You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Leander

Author: Leander

Expertise: Physics

Leander graduated with First-class honours in Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her dedication to science and teaching excellence. After teaching and tutoring both science and maths students, Leander now brings this passion for helping young people reach their potential to her work at SME.