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Definition

Geostationary Orbit

GEO

A circular orbit at approximately 35,786 km altitude with zero inclination and an orbital period matching Earth's rotation. Spacecraft in GEO appear stationary relative to a ground observer.

Related terms

Eclipse

The period during an orbit when the spacecraft is in the shadow of the central body and cannot generate solar power. Ecl...

End of LifeEOL

The planned end of a spacecraft's operational mission. EOL power and thermal analysis accounts for degradation of solar ...

Ground Segment

The collection of ground-based systems that support a space mission, including ground stations, mission control centers,...

Highly Elliptical OrbitHEO

An orbit with high eccentricity, providing long dwell times over specific regions at apogee. Molniya and Tundra orbits a...

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