Launch Your Satellite - GEO

Orbits and Trajectories

Once you´ve selected an orbit to use for the communication satellite, your choice of launch sites becomes restricted. Range restrictions on the available orbits, launch vehicle availability from those ranges, and political considerations will all play a part. Let us assume that you've chosen a geostationary orbit for your system. (This is a very standard choice for communication missions given that a spacecraft in this ort appears motionless to an Earth-based observer and the close to full earth coverage.)

1. What are the choices for launch sites to inject a satellite in a geostationary orbit (i=0^º)

2. Should you try to take advantage of the launch site's eastward rotation by launching from close to the equator? (remember we are assuming geostationary)

3. Will the total Delta-V necessary for the launch vehicle be higher if your were in a high inclination orbit.