Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Satellites are launched into different orbits around the Earth depending on their operational purposes.
The primary orbital categories are Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the typical orbital altitudes and their functions:
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Most Earth observation and remote sensing satellites are placed in near-polar, sun-synchronous circular orbits within LEO, typically at altitudes between 600 km and 1000 km.
Operating at this lower altitude (such as 800 km) allows the satellite's sensors to capture high-spatial-resolution imagery of the land, crops, water bodies, and vegetation.
Additionally, a sun-synchronous orbit ensures that the satellite passes over any given point on the Earth's surface at the exact same local solar time, providing consistent illumination conditions for multi-temporal comparisons.
Famous remote sensing satellites like Landsat, SPOT, and the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite series operate within this range (typically 700 to 900 km, with 800 km representing the standard nominal altitude).
- Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO): Weather and communication satellites are placed at an altitude of approximately 36,000 km directly above the equator.
At this height, the satellite's orbital period matches the Earth's rotation (24 hours), keeping it stationary over a single location.
Therefore, remote sensing satellites are placed in orbits at a typical height of 800 km above the Earth's surface.
Step 2: Final Answer:
Remote sensing satellites are placed at a typical height of 800 km above the earth surface.