A geosynchronous orbit (sometimes abbreviated GSO) is an Earth-centered orbit with an orbital period that matches Earth's rotation on its axis, 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds (one sidereal day).
In the aerospace context, geosynchronous refers to an orbit around the Earth in which a satellite or other object remains in a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface. A satellite in a geosynchronous orbit appears to remain stationary in the sky from the perspective of an observer on the ground. Here are some examples of geosynchronous satellites:
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Communications satellites: These satellites are used to transmit and receive data, such as telephone calls, television signals, and Internet traffic, between locations on the Earth's surface. By remaining in a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface, these satellites are able to provide continuous coverage to a specific area.
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Weather satellites: These satellites are used to monitor the Earth's weather patterns and provide data that is used to create weather forecasts. Geosynchronous weather satellites are able to provide continuous coverage of a specific area, allowing for real-time monitoring of weather conditions.
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Military satellites: These satellites are used by military organizations for a variety of purposes, such as intelligence gathering, communication, and navigation. Geosynchronous military satellites are able to provide continuous coverage of a specific area and can be used for a variety of missions.
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Navigation satellites: These satellites are used to provide navigation information, such as location, time, and velocity, to users on the ground or in the air. Geosynchronous navigation satellites are able to provide continuous coverage of a specific area and can be used to support a variety of applications, such as aviation, shipping, and land-based transportation.