What is the orbital altitude of INMARSAT satellites?

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Multiple Choice

What is the orbital altitude of INMARSAT satellites?

INMARSAT satellites rely on a geostationary orbit, which means they circle the Earth once every 24 hours and stay fixed above a point on the equator. That arrangement requires an altitude of about 35,786 kilometers, roughly 22,236 miles. The option close to that standard GEO altitude is about 22,177 miles, which matches the expected height well. At this height, the satellite can provide broad, stable coverage for global maritime and aviation communications. The other distances place the satellite in much lower or much higher orbits, where the orbital period wouldn’t align with Earth's rotation and continuous ground coverage wouldn’t be feasible.

INMARSAT satellites rely on a geostationary orbit, which means they circle the Earth once every 24 hours and stay fixed above a point on the equator. That arrangement requires an altitude of about 35,786 kilometers, roughly 22,236 miles. The option close to that standard GEO altitude is about 22,177 miles, which matches the expected height well. At this height, the satellite can provide broad, stable coverage for global maritime and aviation communications. The other distances place the satellite in much lower or much higher orbits, where the orbital period wouldn’t align with Earth's rotation and continuous ground coverage wouldn’t be feasible.

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