If you want to put a satellite into a geostationary orbit, meaning that it stays above the same position over the Earth at all times, at what altitude (above sea level) must you have it orbiting?

Question

If you want to put a satellite into a geostationary orbit, meaning that it stays above the same position over the Earth at all times, at what altitude (above sea level) must you have it orbiting?

Answer 1

Hi Rosa L.,

It's an object in uniform circular motion. So you have an equation for acceleration, right? Recommend you use the angular speed form for the acceleration, since you don't know the radius yet! Or, equivalently, a force on it. And you know the Law of Gravitation, and the equivalent equation for acceleration at the Earth's surface. Look up the radius of the Earth, perhaps, and solve from there.

-- Cheers, --Mr. d.