TechnicalHEO
Highly Elliptical Orbit
An orbit with high eccentricity, providing extended dwell time over specific regions.
HEO orbits combine characteristics of different orbital regimes through their elliptical nature.
Common Types
- Molniya orbit: 12-hour period, high latitude coverage
- Tundra orbit: 24-hour period, quasi-stationary
Applications
- Communications at high latitudes
- Early warning systems
- Intelligence gathering
Debris Considerations
- Complex disposal requirements
- May transit multiple orbital regimes
- The EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335) sets disposal rules for LEO, MEO and GEO in Annex V point 3, with details left to implementing acts