Classification of mobile satellite communication

 There are several types of Earth orbits, and each offers certain advantages and capabilities.

•Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

•Medium Earth Orbit(MEO)

•Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) & Geostationary Orbit (GEO)

• Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

LEO is commonly used for communication and remote sensing satellite systems, as well as the International Space Station (ISS) and Hubble Space Telescope.

•Medium Earth Orbit(MEO)

MEO is commonly used for navigation systems, including the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS).

A depiction of LEO and MEO. Credit: The Space Foundation

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• Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) & Geostationary Orbit (GEO)

Objects in GSO have an orbital speed that matches the Earth’s rotation, yielding a consistent position over a single longitude. GEO is a kind of GSO. It matches the planet’s rotation, but GEO objects only orbit Earth’s equator, and from the ground perspective, they appear in a fixed position in the sky. GSO and GEO are used for telecommunications and Earth observation.

A depiction of GSO/GEO. Credit: The Space Foundation