Types of satellites and orbits

  • Satellites differ in their design and function depending on the application in which they will be used.

 

  • Communications (TV, Radio, Satellite telephones) Geostationary orbit
    Weather forcasting Geo-sun-synchronous
    Navigation (GPS) for GPS network
    Earth Resources Sun-synchronous (also called polar orbit)
    Astronomy aimed outward
    Military high-angle orbits for more coverage
    Source: 2003 GEOS 422 Lecture Series. A. Prakash, UAF

 

Sun-synchronous orbitting Radarsat 2 satellite
Source: www.space.gc.ca/asc/eng/csa_secotrs/earth/radarsat2/radarsat2.asp

 

Graphic showing polar and geostationary (sun-synchronous orbits)
Source: 2003 GEOS 422 Lecture slides, A. Prakash, UAF