#geostationary

[itswilliamleonard]

here's how we can still win Odysseus-bros...

[bond00777]

#geostationary #gorizont #геостационар #горизонт https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm-w4eGoiKm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[angmallen]

rule

[tracybirds]

hey um. what's geostationary orbit and why is it impossible for TAG's TB5 to achieve?

Hello!! I'm assuming you're coming in from the stack of memes I made lol so welcome welcome, this is my well-known pet peeve and I will happily explain because it involves my favourite subject - physics!

"Impossible to achieve" isn't quite accurate - my argument is formed purely on the observational evidence of where it is, such that when the show makes references to TB5 being in geostationary orbit it doesn't make sense because it's simply.... not.

So strap in, I'll go through this as clearly as I can but feel free to ask follow up questions :D Or just generally hang out lol TAG is a fun time despite the handwave-y physics ahaha :D

1. What is geostationary orbit?

Geostationary orbit is the specific orbit where a satellite/space station/whatever moves with the exact same period as the Earth's rotation i.e. 24 hours AND is placed so that the object is directly over the equator, it will move in that orbit at the same rate as the location it is over, so that it will always be over that position at all times. This gives it the name "geostationary", implying that the Earth doesn't move relative to the orbiting object, or if you look down you'll always see the same place.

Both conditions must be met for geostationary orbit to occur; an orbit with a greater or lower period will fall out of step with the Earth fairly quickly, and if not on the equator, you'll get a related type of orbit known as a geosynchronous orbit which will move up and down relative to the equator rather than staying put.

Furthermore, I won't take you through the calculation (1 | 2 | 3), but using Kepler's Third Law which is sufficiently accurate for this scenario, this orbit must always be ~36,000 km above the Earth, or the quoted 22,500 miles in the show. That is the main evidence in the show that implies that the writers intended for TB5 to be in geostationary orbit, like TOS was written to be.

However....

2. Why can't TB5 be in geostationary orbit?

It's not that it can't, it's that it isn't! There's two main reasons for this that I return to when grumbling about this to my friends (they are long-suffering on this point lol thank goodness they're reasonably good-humoured about it...)

Reason 1: The size of the Earth from TB5

This is the most damning evidence. Let's make some visual comparisons.

This is what the Earth looks like from the International Space Station which maintains an orbit about 400 km above the surface of the Earth (in a region known as Low Earth Orbit).

It's a little more complicated to show what Earth looks like from geostationary orbit as many satellites in this region are communication relays or broadcasting satellites (very appropriate for TB5 it must be said!!) But that being said, this is a full disk image of Earth from Japan's Himawari 5, a weather satellite in geostationary orbit.

Now take a look at the animation in TAG and decide for yourself what was being used as inspiration!

But I'm a physics nerd, so I won't take blind faith in some pictures! No, no - if there's a specific height that an orbit must maintain in order to remain in this orbit and the size of the Earth doesn't change, then it should follow that the Earth must be some kind of stable "apparent" size that we can figure out. Think about a freestanding house from 40 m away. It doesn't matter in which direction the 40m is, the house takes up the same space in our vision. The same follows here.

Once again, I'll gloss over the calculations ( 1 | 2 | 3) and simply state that from geostationary orbit, the Earth should take up no more than about 20° of our field of vision. In comparison the visual angle of the Moon is about 0.5° so it's still going to look really big!! But not as big as you'd see from the ISS :P If you make both hands into fists, place them next to each other and hold them at arms length from your body, that would be the approximately the width of the Earth from geostationary orbit.

So TB5?

....might be a wee bit closer than that 😂

Reason 2: The locations on Earth

This one's a little looser, but it illustrates my second point - in order to be geostationary, TB5 needs to..... stay over one location? Like okay sure it has rockets and engines so that it's able to move around, we've seen them plenty of times. But that doesn't change that fact that even when these are not in use, TB5 is never in one place.

Here's some examples…

The Strait of Gibraltar (Spain and Morocco) | 1x07 (Runaway)

Looks like Japan in the background to me | 1x07 (Runaway)

Ireland and Great Britain | 1x08: EOS

Cheating a tad, but he's only just launched so it's reasonable to assume that here TB5 is over SE Asia | 2x02 (Ghost Ship)

None of these are examples where John's manoeuvred TB5 into position like he does in Skyhook (1x11) and Impact (2x09) so it's reasonable to assume that TB5 is following its assigned orbit... and its not geostationary!

Moral of the story: TB5 could be in geostationary orbit, there's nothing stopping it! But uh... it's not. Thanks for listening ;D

All images stolen either from the thunderbirds wiki, or I've attached a click through link to their origin :)

[adomainname]

Satellites: Their Orbits, Tracking Systems, and Essential Uses

Satellites: Their Positions, Tracking, and Importance

Satellites have become an essential part of modern life, orbiting Earth and providing us with services ranging from communication and navigation to weather forecasting and space exploration. As of 2024, thousands of active satellites are circling our planet, each performing a specific role to enhance the quality of life on Earth. This article delves into the positioning of satellites, how they are tracked, what they track, and the significance of their roles.

Types of Satellite Orbits and Their Positions

Satellites are positioned in various orbits depending on their intended functions. These orbits determine how close the satellite is to Earth, how fast it moves, and what areas it covers.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Altitude: 180 km to 2,000 km Satellites in LEO include most Earth observation satellites, the International Space Station (ISS), and some communication satellites. These satellites are closer to the Earth, enabling them to capture high-resolution images. Functions: Used for imaging, remote sensing, and some communication purposes. Examples: ISS, Earth observation satellites like Landsat.

Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): Altitude: 2,000 km to 35,786 km Satellites in MEO are mainly used for navigation. This orbit offers a good balance between coverage and latency. Functions: GPS satellites and other global navigation systems. Examples: GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellites.

Geostationary Orbit (GEO): Altitude: 35,786 km above the equator Satellites in GEO move at the same rotational speed as Earth, meaning they stay fixed over one location on Earth. These are mostly communication and weather satellites. Functions: Used for television broadcasts, weather monitoring, and some types of communication. Examples: Weather satellites (GOES series), telecommunication satellites.

Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO): Orbit shape: An elongated orbit with one point closer to Earth (perigee) and another point much farther away (apogee). Functions: Ideal for regions at high latitudes, providing prolonged coverage over areas like Russia and parts of Canada. Examples: Molniya satellites for communication in Russia.

How Satellites Are Tracked

The sheer number of satellites in space, combined with space debris, means tracking them is essential to avoid collisions and ensure their functionality. Ground stations and dedicated space agencies continuously monitor satellites. Several methods are used to track satellites:

Radar and Ground-Based Systems: Ground stations use radar to track satellites in LEO. These systems bounce radio waves off the satellite and measure the time it takes for the signal to return. By doing this repeatedly, they can track a satellite's location and speed.

Global Positioning System (GPS): Satellites in higher orbits like MEO or GEO are tracked using onboard GPS receivers. GPS helps calculate the satellite’s position and relay that data back to Earth.

Optical Tracking: Telescopes and cameras are used to visually observe satellites in higher orbits. This method is particularly useful for tracking objects that do not emit radio signals or need to be monitored for their physical characteristics.

Space Surveillance Networks: Agencies such as the U.S. Space Surveillance Network (SSN) and similar organizations in other countries continuously monitor satellites and space debris. They catalog objects and issue alerts for potential collisions.

What Satellites Track

Satellites are equipped with various sensors, cameras, and instruments to track a wide array of data on Earth, in space, and beyond:

Weather and Climate Data: Satellites such as NOAA’s GOES series monitor weather patterns, hurricanes, and long-term climate changes. They provide crucial data for meteorological services.

Earth Observation: Satellites like Landsat capture high-resolution images of Earth's surface. These images are used for mapping, agricultural planning, disaster response, and environmental monitoring.

Navigation Signals: GPS and other GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) satellites send signals that are used for navigation by smartphones, vehicles, ships, and airplanes worldwide.

Communication: Satellites facilitate global communication by relaying TV, radio, and internet signals across vast distances.

Space Exploration: Space telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope track distant galaxies, nebulae, and black holes, helping scientists study the universe.

Military Surveillance: Many satellites are designed for defense purposes, tracking missile launches, military movements, or spying on potential threats.

Number of Satellites in Space

As of 2024, there are approximately 8,000 operational satellites orbiting Earth. The exact number fluctuates as new satellites are launched and old ones are decommissioned. Additionally, space agencies and private companies like SpaceX continue to launch large satellite constellations, such as Starlink, which alone has over 5,000 satellites in orbit for global internet coverage.

The Usefulness of Satellites

Satellites have become indispensable in modern life, serving a wide variety of purposes that impact everyday activities and critical global functions:

Key Functions of Satellites:

Communication: Satellites enable long-distance communication by transmitting data, television, and internet services. Without them, global broadcasting and real-time communication in remote areas would be impossible.

Navigation: Systems like GPS help millions of people navigate in real-time. They are also vital for the functioning of aviation, maritime travel, and even agricultural practices.

Earth Observation: Satellites provide high-resolution imagery of Earth, helping with disaster management, urban planning, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. For instance, they can track deforestation or observe glaciers' melting rates.

Weather Forecasting: Weather satellites provide the data needed for accurate predictions, storm tracking, and climate monitoring. This information is critical for preparing for natural disasters like hurricanes or floods.

Scientific Research and Exploration: Space telescopes and interplanetary satellites gather data on space phenomena, expanding our understanding of the universe. Satellites also conduct scientific experiments in the microgravity of space.

Defense and Security: Satellites are used for military surveillance, early-warning systems, and missile detection, playing a crucial role in national security.

Satellite Highlights in Brief:

Types of orbits: LEO, MEO, GEO, HEO, each serving different purposes.

Tracking methods: Radar, GPS, optical tracking, and space surveillance networks.

Data tracked by satellites: Weather, Earth observation, navigation signals, space exploration, and military surveillance.

Number of active satellites: Approximately 8,000.

Key roles: Communication, navigation, weather forecasting, Earth observation, scientific research, and defense.

In conclusion, satellites are essential tools for global communication, navigation, monitoring Earth's environment, and scientific discovery. As technology advances and the number of satellites continues to grow, their impact on our daily lives will only increase. Whether improving how we predict the weather, navigate through traffic, or explore the universe, satellites will continue to be a critical resource for humanity.

Go To How Satellites Work and What They Track

[sklira]

不協和音のわたしたち | cosmomule (feat. mekakushe)

[thepastisalreadywritten]

24 hours on Earth as seen from geostationary orbit — captured by a weather satellite. 🌏🕰️

—

A geostationary orbit, also referred to as a geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO), is a circular geosynchronous orbit 35,786 km (22,236 mi) in altitude above Earth's equator, 42,164 km (26,199 mi) in radius from Earth's center, and following the direction of Earth's rotation.

[humanspaceflightday]

BULGARIA - Workshop on "Humanity’s space past, present, and future" - Yuri’s Night 2024.

On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to fly into space, becoming the most famous person on Earth. For years, this date has been celebrated as World Aviation and Cosmonautics Day, and the global initiative Yuri’s Night has been created to popularize topics related to humanity’s space past, present, and future.

Traditionally, we at Ratio participate in the global celebration, and this time we have prepared a series of interesting topics through which we will fly together.

The Yuri’s Night space crew consists of Victoria Todorova (Systems Engineer), Ralitsa Velikova (Software Engineer), Elka Terzieva (Engineer), and Simon Jenner (Axiom Space). With them, we will orbit around several topics, while in the meantime, we will enjoy a special thematic selection of music and lights suitable for a space party.

Space exploration would be impossible without space rockets, and at Yuri’s Night, we will learn more about how they work. We will discuss what Q-MAX means and why everyone celebrates when the rocket passes it, even though it is still flying and has not reached space yet. We will raise the topic of radiation sources in space and understand the various effects that radiation can have on electronics in space. We will also examine types of random-access memory that are radiation-resistant. Of course, when talking about space, we cannot overlook astronauts, and we will learn more about the preparation of an astronaut before flying into space.

We will ask a series of space questions, including:

Can we launch space rockets from Bulgaria? What are geostationary satellites (GSS) and what are the nature of their missions? What are the ways to deal with non-destructive errors caused by radiation? We expect you on April 12 with a large dose of space science to celebrate together the historic journey of Yuri Gagarin and World Aviation and Cosmonautics Day.

Yuri’s Night Bulgaria 2024 2024-Apr-12 @ 07:00 PM - 2024-Apr-12 @ 10:30 PM София, Bulgaria

[rainbowgod666]

10612th note

Going to moon rn

How did you give yourself an EAR INFECTION eating pussy

im just gonna screenshot from a text i sent my friends after the doctors visit

[sephirothmon]

Literally crying to this cd rn if you never listen to it at least listen to the song together forever my lovely lovely video game cartridges, literally one of my favorite camellia songs in the whole world

[monkeyssalad-blog]

GOES-U Launches to Space by NASA on The Commons Via Flickr: A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) GOES-U (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite U) lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. The GOES-U satellite is the final satellite in the GOES-R series, which serves a critical role in providing continuous coverage of the Western Hemisphere, including monitoring tropical systems in the eastern Pacific and Atlantic oceans. On board GOES-U is a suite of seven instruments for collecting advanced imagery and atmospheric measurements, providing real-time mapping of lightning activity, and detecting approaching space weather hazards. Also onboard for the first time is the compact coronagraph that will observe the Sun’s outermost layer, called the corona, for large explosions of plasma that could produce geomagnetic solar storms. NASA Media Usage Guidelines Credit: NASA/SpaceX Image Number: KSC-20240625-PH-SPX01_0016 Date: June 25, 2024

[shamballalin]

WATCH SPACEX LAUNCH TODAY AT 11:04 pm EST ~ There is More to This Life

SpaceX’s powerful Falcon Heavy rocket will launch for the seventh time ever today, Thursday (July 27), and you can watch the epic action live, according to Mike Wall in a Space.com article posted yesterday. The Falcon Heavy is scheduled to lift off Thursday at 11:04 p.m. EDT (0304 GMT on July 27) from Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. You can watch it live here at Space.com,…

[megansantucciauthor]

This harkens back (forward? widdershins?) to my favorite passage in the entire trilogy:

One of many sentences in HtN that keep me up at night

[sklira]

静止軌道上空のあなたへ | cosmomule

[dragongirltail]

That's a lot higher frequency ranges than what I'm capable of right now seeing as it's in the gigahertz ranges, these images were received via the APT signal at 137mHz.

I do most definitely intend to build a helical antenna for the delicious circular polarized signals but I'll need to source a proper dish first too!

I do suppose I can try and see if I can get one of the linear bands like HRI 1694.5 but I'm not holding out on it, my current setup is scuffed lmao

doxxing myself

guess who bought an SDR and has been trying hard to receive signals from weather satellites

here's my best one yet, NOAA 19 coming in from norway and leaving over morocco, with france, ireland, bits of denmark, sweden, italy, africa, and most of the main european area visible!

Now to make an antenna setup that doesn't require me pinching down on wires to make a broken connection work right lmao