Geostationary Transfer Orbit

Q.  Which of the following is/are true regarding Geostationary Transfer Orbit?

1) It is geostationary orbit.
2) It is circular orbit.
- Published on 16 Sep 16

a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: Neither 1 nor 2
 
  • A geosynchronous transfer orbit or geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) is a Hohmann transfer orbit used to reach geosynchronous or geostationary orbit using high thrust chemical engines.
  • It is a highly elliptical Earth orbit with an apogee of 42,164 km (26,199 mi), or 35,786 km (22,236 mi) above sea level, which corresponds to the geostationary (GEO) altitude.
  • The period of a standard geosynchronous transfer orbit is about 10.5 hours.
  • It is not a geostationary orbit but is used in Hohmann transfer to reach the geostationary orbit.
  • Only the apogee point of GTO lies at the Geostationary Altitude.

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