"ISRO Launches EOS-05, India's First Dedicated Geosynchronous Imaging Satellite"
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
satellite zone from 160 km to 2,000 km altitude; high resolution, low latency.
Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
circular equatorial orbit at ~35,786 km where satellite appears stationary.
India's satellite programme began with a clear strategic and developmental purpose. ISRO has built a fleet of earth observation satellites over decades, most of which operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). These satellites, including the Cartosat and ResourceSat series, circle the planet at altitudes between 160 km and 2,000 km, capturing high-resolution imagery for agriculture, urban planning, disaster management, and defence. However, LEO satellites have a fundamental limitation: because they move so fast relative to the surface, they can observe any given patch of Earth for only a brief window during each pass.
The concept of a geostationary orbit was first proposed by science writer Arthur C. Clarke, which is why it is sometimes called the Clarke Orbit. Satellites placed at approximately 35,786 km above the equator orbit at the same angular speed as Earth's rotation, making them appear stationary from the ground. This property has made geostationary orbit the preferred home for communications and weather satellites for decades. India's INSAT and GSAT series have long occupied this belt for communications and meteorology. The launch of EOS-05 marks India's first use of this orbital regime for dedicated high-frequency imaging.
Scientists classify Earth orbits into three broad altitude bands. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) spans 160 km to 2,000 km. Its proximity to Earth means low signal latency and high image resolution, making it ideal for observation and communications satellites. Within LEO, Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) is a special subset where the satellite passes over any given point at the same local solar time each day, ensuring consistent lighting for imaging. Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), below roughly 450 km, offers even sharper images but suffers from greater atmospheric drag, increasing fuel consumption. As of recent tracking data, over 15,000 active payload satellites occupy LEO globally, including the International Space Station.
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) extends from 2,000 km to approximately 35,786 km. It balances coverage area and signal latency. …
Why is the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?
What is the main task of India's third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.
Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System?
Consider the following statements:
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
1.is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
2.made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit Mars after USA
3.made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding satellite orbits:
1.Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is defined as the region between 160 km and 2,000 km above Earth's surface.
2.A geostationary satellite orbits directly over the equator with zero inclination and appears stationary relative to Earth.
3.Just three evenly spaced geostationary satellites can provide near-global coverage of Earth.
4.Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) extends from 2,000 km up to 35,786 km.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Match the following satellite systems with their orbital class:
List I (Satellite/System) — List II (Orbital Class)
A.International Space Station — 1. Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
B.Galileo Navigation Constellation — 2. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
C.India's INSAT/GSAT series — 3. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
D.Sun-Synchronous Orbit satellites — 4. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) subset
Select the correct match:
With reference to the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), consider the following statements:
1.GTO is an elliptical orbit used as an intermediate step to place satellites into geostationary orbit.
2.In GTO, the satellite uses the launch vehicle's propulsion to raise its orbit to the final geostationary altitude.
3.ISRO's GSLV is designed to place payloads into GTO.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the following correctly describes the advantage of a satellite in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) over one in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for earth observation?
Consider the following statements about India's satellite fleet:
1.India operates more satellites in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) than in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
2.The International Space Station is located in Low Earth Orbit.
3.Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) satellites pass over any given point on Earth at the same local solar time each day.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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