| Orbit | What |
|---|---|
| GTO — geostationary transfer orbit | Elliptical orbit from ± 200 km to ± 35,786 km in which a rocket drops off a GEO satellite; the satellite then circularises the orbit itself |
| Graveyard orbit | ± 300 km above GEO; this is where retired GEO satellites are parked |
| Inclined GSO | Geosynchronous (24 hours) but tilted: the satellite traces a figure "8" above the equator; used by BeiDou (IGSO), among others |
| xGEO / cislunar | The space between GEO and the Moon; a growing military area of interest as more and more countries plan missions there |
Space Academy · Contents · Chapter 2 · §2.7 · Nederlandse versie
§2.7 Other orbits
Transfer orbits, graveyard orbits and the space beyond GEO.