For a satellite to be GEOSTATIONARY (stays over the same point on Earth), its orbital period must equal:
A48 hours
B24 hours
C1 hour
D12 hours
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. 24 hours
Geostationary satellites must complete one orbit in 24 hours (one sidereal day), so they appear stationary relative to Earth. This requires a specific orbital radius of about 42,000 km from Earth's centre (about 36,000 km altitude).
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