Ham Radio Extra Class Practice Test 2025 - Free Extra Class License Exam Questions and Study Guide

The type of satellite that appears to stay in one position in the sky is the geostationary satellite. These satellites orbit the Earth at a specific altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above the equator and travel at the same rotational speed as the Earth's rotation. This synchronization allows them to maintain a fixed position relative to a point on the Earth's surface.

As a result, geostationary satellites are ideal for communication, television broadcasting, and weather monitoring, as they provide consistent coverage to the same geographical area without the need for tracking equipment on the ground.

In contrast, other types of satellites, such as those in low Earth orbit (LEO) or high Earth orbit (HEO), move relative to the Earth's surface, thus requiring ground stations to track their movements. Geomagnetic satellites are typically related to studies of the Earth's magnetic field rather than providing stable coverage from a fixed point.