Where in the Universe are the Satellite Locations

Just where in the universe are those fascinating satellites located? How do they stay where they are? The specifics of satellite locations can be quite technical. However, let’s take a simpler birds-eye view of where they are.

 This idea of locating an object in space that could send messages back to earth has been around for quite some time. Arthur C. Clarke, the science-fiction writer, first wrote about locating space satellites in 1945, and his work is reportedly a take-off from the writings of Herman Noordung (Herman Potocnik) in 1929. In 1958 President Eisenhower sent a Christmas greeting to the world via a tape-recorded message in a satellite. The Echo (similar to a 100 ft. aluminized Mylar balloon) was launched by NASA in 1960, and on July 10, 1962, Telstar was launched. Telstar was the first direct relay communications satellite.

Where satellites are located and how they stay where they are put depends somewhat on how they orbit the earth. The object is to have the satellite’s location be consistent relative to certain points on the earth so the signals can be picked up by the dishes. This is why the dishes need to always face a certain number of degrees to the south. A circular geosynchronous orbit, in a plane to the Earth’s equator, has an approximate radius of 42,164 km as measured from the middle of the Earth. This locates the satellites approximately 22,240 statute miles above mean sea level. The Law of Gravity maintains a strong influence in locating the satellite’s position. However, the gravity of the moon, solar winds and radiation pressures require thrusters to be used to keep the satellite’s orbit located where it belongs.

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