Primary Orbital Elements

Question 1

LEO (Low Earth Orbit)

Answer 1

Typically circular, up to 900 miles above, Polar and Sun Synchronous, Imagery/Weather/Manned Flight

Question 2

MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) Shape, Distance, Period,

Answer 2

Typically circular orbit, up to 12,500 miles above, 12 hr period, Semi-synchronous, GPS

Question 3

GEO (Geosynchronous Earth Orbit) Orbit, Distance, Use, Period

Answer 3

Typicall circular orbit, up to 22,300 miles above, 24 hr period, Geo-Stationary, SATCOM/MW

Question 4

HEO (Highly Elliptical Orbit) Shape, Distance, Period, Use

Answer 4

Eccentric shape, Long dwell time on poles, up to 24,000 miles above, 12 hr period, Molniya, High-latitude comms/MW