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Difficulty: EasySpace Technology and Astronomy

Satellite orbits around Earth are designated according to their altitude above the Earth's surface. Arrange the following satellite orbits in increasing order of their average altitude from the surface of Earth (from lowest altitude to highest altitude).

  1. 1Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
  2. 2Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
  3. 3Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO)

Answer

The correct sequence from lowest to highest altitude is Low Earth Orbit (LEO), followed by Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and finally Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO).
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is closest to Earth at 160–2,000 km160\text{--}2,000\text{ km}, followed by Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) extending from 2,000 km2,000\text{ km} up to 35,786 km35,786\text{ km}, and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) positioned at a high altitude of 35,786 km35,786\text{ km}.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the altitude range for Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
LEO ranges from approximately 160 km160\text{ km} to 2,000 km2,000\text{ km} altitude.
It is the closest orbit to Earth.
2
Identify the altitude range for Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
MEO ranges from approximately 2,000 km2,000\text{ km} up to 35,786 km35,786\text{ km} altitude.
It lies between Low Earth Orbit and Geostationary Earth Orbit.
3
Identify the altitude for Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO).
GEO is positioned at a fixed altitude of approximately 35,786 km35,786\text{ km}.
This specific altitude matches Earth's rotational period of approximately 24 hours.
4
Arrange the orbits in increasing order of altitude.
Sequence: LEO (160–2,000 km160\text{--}2,000\text{ km}) →\rightarrow MEO (2,000–35,786 km2,000\text{--}35,786\text{ km}) →\rightarrow GEO (35,786 km35,786\text{ km}).
Ordering from lowest numeric altitude to highest altitude.

Key Concept

Classification of satellite orbits by altitude (LEO, MEO, GEO)
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Topics

Space Technology and Astronomy

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