Stationary satellite in high latitude

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of a stationary satellite being fixed to a location far from the equator, exploring concepts related to satellite orbits, geostationary conditions, and gravitational influences.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the definition of "stationary," suggesting that if it refers to being fixed with respect to Earth, then only Lagrangian Points (L4 or L5) in the Sun-Earth system could be considered, though they note stability issues in the Earth-Moon system.
  • Another participant clarifies that geostationary satellites can only be positioned over the equator, implying that a stationary satellite far from the equator is not feasible.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that if a satellite is not very far from the equator, the necessary corrections for maintaining its position could be minimal, referencing historical considerations of additional satellites in nearly geostationary orbits for bandwidth issues.
  • One participant emphasizes that theoretically, a satellite would need to be placed at a point where the Earth exerts no gravitational pull, which is not possible except at the center of the Earth, leading to the conclusion that it would eventually impact the Earth.
  • There is a reiteration of the misunderstanding regarding the type of stationary satellite being discussed, clarifying that the focus is on geostationary satellites rather than those orbiting the sun.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of stationary satellites being positioned far from the equator, with some arguing it is not feasible while others suggest it could be manageable under certain conditions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the practical implications of these viewpoints.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference gravitational influences and the stability of orbits without resolving the mathematical implications of satellite positioning or the specific conditions under which corrections would be necessary.

pixel01
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Hi all,

Is that possible that a stationary satellite be fixed to a location far from equator?
 
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No ...
 
... stationary with respect to what? If you mean with respect to Earth ... the only option would be one of the Lagrangian Points (L4 or L5) in the Sun-Earth system. There are also L4 and L5 points in the Earth-Moon system but they are not very stable due to gravitational influence of the sun.

... in a theory, considering only Earth and your satellite, you would basically have to place it at a point where the Earth would exert NO gravitational pull (the satellite would have zero potential energy). Since F = G m1m2 / d^2 there is no point (apart from the center of the Earth) where F = 0, hence your satellite would impact the Earth eventually, no matter how far it was originally placed.
 
I think the poster means fixed over a point on Earth - as in geostationary.
This is only possible over the equator

I thought the poster might come back for a fuller explanation than just "no..." !
 
Last edited:
If it is not very far from the equator necessary corrections are so small, that it can be doable. As far as I remember - before the advent of digital communication - additional satelites on almost geostationary orbits were considered a viable solution to the lack of the bandwidth problem. Amount of fuel necessary for constant orbit corrections was small enough that satellite could operate for years.
 
scibuff said:
... stationary with respect to what? If you mean with respect to Earth ... the only option would be one of the Lagrangian Points (L4 or L5) in the Sun-Earth system. There are also L4 and L5 points in the Earth-Moon system but they are not very stable due to gravitational influence of the sun.

... in a theory, considering only Earth and your satellite, you would basically have to place it at a point where the Earth would exert NO gravitational pull (the satellite would have zero potential energy). Since F = G m1m2 / d^2 there is no point (apart from the center of the Earth) where F = 0, hence your satellite would impact the Earth eventually, no matter how far it was originally placed.

Sorry for the misunderstanding. I just meant geostationary satellites, not something orbiting the sun.
 

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