TechnicalGEO/GSO
Geostationary Orbit
A circular orbit at approximately 35,786 km altitude where satellites appear stationary relative to Earth's surface.
Geostationary orbit (GEO or GSO) is a unique orbital regime where satellites maintain a fixed position relative to Earth, ideal for communications and weather monitoring.
Orbital Characteristics
- Altitude: ~35,786 km
- Period: 23 hours 56 minutes 4 seconds
- Inclination: 0° (equatorial)
- Eccentricity: 0 (circular)
Advantages
- Fixed ground antenna pointing
- Continuous coverage of hemisphere
- No handover between satellites
- Ideal for broadcast services
Limitations
- Limited orbital slots (separated by ~2°)
- High latency (~250ms round-trip)
- Requires more powerful satellites
- No polar coverage
Debris Mitigation GEO satellites cannot deorbit economically. Instead:
- Graveyard orbit: 300+ km above GEO
- Passivation required
- Fuel reservation for disposal
ITU Coordination GEO slots are a limited resource coordinated through ITU to prevent interference and ensure equitable access.
EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335, not in force)
- Removal to an orbit not interfering with protected regions and valuable orbits within 100 years after end of life (Annex V point 3.7)
- Reasoned choice of orbit before launch (Art. 69)
- Title IV, Chapters I (safety and sustainability in space) and V (orbital traffic rules) would not apply to orbits further than GEO (Art. 2(2))