Definition

An earth satellite moving eastward in an equatorial, circular orbit at an alti­tude (approximately 35,900 kilometers) such that its period of revolution is exactly equal to (synchronous with) the rotational period of the earth. Such a satellite will remain fixed over a point on the earth's equator. Although geostationary satellites are fre­quently called geosynchronous or synchronous satelli­tes, the orbit of an eastward moving syn­chronous satellite must be equatorial if the satellite is to remain fixed over a point on the equator. Otherwise, the satellite moves daily in a figure-eight pattern relative to the earth. Also called fixed satellite.