synchronous orbit

English

Noun

synchronous orbit (plural synchronous orbits)

1. A satellite orbit where the orbital period is equal to, or multiples of, the Earth’s rotational period; i.e. making one, two, three, etc., orbits in a 24-hour period. Examples include geosynchronous (period equals Earth's rotation), semisynchronous (two orbits per day); and geostationary (geosynchronous orbit where satellite maintains a fixed position on the equator).

Related terms

• Sun-synchronous orbit