Mains Paper II · 3 Science & Technology · 3.5 Space programme: organisation, rockets and satellites

3.5.3 Orbits: LEO, sun-synchronous, geostationary and Lagrange points

A satellite's orbit decides what it can see and for how long: low orbits for imaging, sun-synchronous orbits for consistent lighting, geostationary orbit for fixed coverage, and Lagrange points for parking space telescopes.

  • APPSC Group 2 · Mains Paper II
  • Advanced level
  • 5 min read
  • Full course

Key terms

  • LEO
  • polar orbit
  • sun-synchronous
  • geostationary
  • GTO
  • Lagrange point
  • L1
  • halo orbit
  • escape velocity

What this note covers

  1. Core factsFoundation
  2. ExplainedStandard
  3. DeeperAdvanced
  4. Mains writingMains writing
  5. Common trapsFoundation
  6. Quick revisionFoundation

Read the full note in the app. It is part of the APPSC Group 2 full course in Medha AI. Free in the app: the first chapter of each topic.

Read the full note in the app Science & Technology questions with answers

All Space programme: organisation, rockets and satellites notes · APPSC Group 2 syllabus · APPSC G2 Prelims Mock 1 with answers · Start free

Medha AI writes its own notes and checks them against the sources listed. Medha AI is an independent preparation service. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to APPSC, TSPSC, MPSC, UPSC or any other commission or government body.