🌐 Space Glossary

Orbit Types

The major orbital regimes used by satellites — from low Earth orbit to geostationary and beyond. Each orbit type serves different mission requirements for communications, navigation, imaging, and scientific research. 13 terms, each explained in plain language with key data and links to live trackers.

GEO Geostationary Orbit — 35,786 km 1,467 live35,786 km Graveyard Orbit Disposal orbit 300 km above GEO 35,786 km~300 km above GEO GTO Transfer orbit from LEO to GEO 200–300 km35,786 km HEO Highly Elliptical Orbit — extreme apogee/perigee difference 500 km (Molniya)40,000 km (Molniya) L-Points Five gravitational equilibrium positions in the Sun-Earth system 5 per two-body systemL1, L2, L3 (collinear) LEO Low Earth Orbit — 200 to 2,000 km 16,326 live200–2,000 km MEO Medium Earth Orbit — 2,000 to 35,786 km 236 live2,000–35,786 km Molniya Orbit 12-hour elliptical orbit for high-latitude coverage ≈12 hours63.4° (critical) PO Parking Orbit The temporary orbit where missions pause before the real journey ~160–400 kmMinutes–hours Polar Orbit Orbit passing over both poles (90° inclination) 90°Full global coverage Retrograde Orbit Orbit moving opposite to Earth's rotation (i > 90°) 90°–180°East to west SSO Sun-Synchronous Orbit — consistent solar illumination 600–800 km typical96–99° WC Walker Constellation The symmetric pattern behind GPS, Galileo and Starlink shells i: t/p/f56°: 24/3/1

More glossary categories

All terms 📐 Orbital Elements 📡 Tracking & Space Surveillance 🚀 Manoeuvres & Propulsion 🛡️ Debris & Space Safety 🛰️ Spacecraft Systems 🏗️ Launch & Ascent ☀️ Space Environment ⚖️ Policy & Regulation 📍 Navigation & Timing 🔭 Earth Observation 📡 Amateur Radio & Satellites 🔭 Deep Space & Astrophysics 👨‍🚀 Human Spaceflight 🌐 Satellite Internet & Mega-Constellations 🪐 Planetary Science & Exploration