Satellites

Goestationary Satellites:

• Orbit at particular point above equator. (36,000 km above Earth).
  • So have a period of 24 hours.
• Larger radius (than polar).
• Slower.
• Used for communications (local/regional uses).

Polar Satellites:

• Lower & closer to Earth.
  • Period = normally 2/3 hours.
• Orbit pole to pole - so can see the whole Earth.
• Smaller radius.
• Faster.
• Used for monitering.
  • (eg weather forecasting, spying, environmental monitering.)