The geostationary satellite orbits eastwards around the equator at an altitude of approximately 36000km. An orbit at this altitude has a period of 24 hours, which means the satellite remains fixed relative to the Earth's surface, hence the name geostationary satellite. The scanning system allows about 42% of the Earth's surface to be viewed from a single satellite, so that a network of five satellites gives global coverage. The geostationary satellite can monitor developments in the field of view continuously and in almost real-time. This allows the user to follow quickly developing weather systems or diurnal variations in the weather. This is of great value to forecasters. However, the large distance of the satellite from the Earth's surface means the resolution is lower than with polar orbiting satellites.

The geostationary satellites were first launched in the 1970's. Each satellite has a lifetime of approximately 5 years. Satellites have been launched and maintained by NOAA (GOE ...more

Insat

INSAT-1A launched on 10 April 1982 and Deactivated on 6 September 1982