// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM

GEO Satellite

A satellite that stays in a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface, orbiting at about 36,000 km above the equator, making it ideal for continuous coverage over a large area.

GEO Satellite — illustration from Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

A Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) Satellite is a spacecraft orbiting approximately 35,786 km above the equator, matching Earth's rotational period, providing continuous, stationary coverage to a wide geographic area for telecommunications, broadcasting, and meteorology.

BACKGROUND

Space-based solar power is the concept of collecting solar power in outer space with solar power satellites (SPS) and distributing it to Earth. Its advantages include a higher collection of energy due to the lack of reflection and absorption by the atmosphere, the possibility of very little night, and a better ability to orient to face the Sun. Space-based solar power systems convert sunlight to some other form of energy which can be transmitted through the atmosphere to receivers on the Earth's surface.

READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIA

SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Geostationary satellite
  • GEO
  • geosynchronous satellite
  • GSO satellite

USAGE NOTE

GEO satellites are foundational for global television broadcasting and long-haul telecommunications.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to GEO Satellite.

  • Maxar Technologies

    A leading provider of space technology, Maxar designs and manufactures geostationary communication satellites and provides advanced satellite imagery and geospatial intelligence services.

  • Lockheed Martin

    A global aerospace and defense company, Lockheed Martin develops and builds a wide range of GEO satellites for communication, missile warning, and other national security applications.

  • Boeing

    Boeing Satellite Systems is a major manufacturer of commercial and government geostationary communication satellites, known for its expertise in high-throughput satellite technology.

  • Airbus Defence and Space

    A European leader in space technology, Airbus designs, manufactures, and operates a broad portfolio of GEO satellites for telecommunications, observation, and navigation.

  • Thales Alenia Space

    A joint venture between Thales and Leonardo, Thales Alenia Space is a key player in the design and production of geostationary satellites for telecommunications, Earth observation, and navigation.

  • Northrop Grumman

    Northrop Grumman designs and builds advanced GEO satellites, particularly for national security space missions, including communication, missile warning, and intelligence applications.

  • SpaceX

    While known for its Starlink LEO constellation, SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets are primary launch vehicles for many commercial and government GEO satellites globally, enabling their deployment.

  • Eutelsat

    One of the world's leading satellite operators, Eutelsat owns and operates a fleet of geostationary satellites providing video, data, government, and broadband services across multiple continents.

  • Intelsat

    A pioneer in satellite communications, Intelsat operates one of the world's largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, primarily utilizing a fleet of GEO satellites for global connectivity.

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