Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), in the context of aerospace engineering, refers to a region of space around the Earth where satellites or other space objects orbit at an altitude typically between 2,000 and 36,000 kilometers. This orbit lies between the lower Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and the higher Geostationary Orbit (GEO). Satellites in MEO have a longer orbital period than those in LEO, typically circling the Earth in a few hours. The advantage of MEO is that it allows for a broader coverage area per satellite than LEO, reducing the number of satellites needed for global coverage. It also has lower latency and higher data rate capabilities than GEO. MEO is commonly used for navigation systems like the Global Positioning System (GPS), communication satellites, and space research. However, the increased distance from Earth compared to LEO means that more powerful transmitters and receivers are required to communicate with satellites in MEO.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Rescue Agreement: The Rescue Agreement is a treaty signed in 1967 that outlines the legal framework for conducting rescue operations of astronauts in distress. It requires that all spacefaring nations provide assistance to astronauts in distress and cooperat ... Read More >>
- Internet Protocol: Internet Protocol (IP) is a protocol used for communicating data across a packet-switched network using the Internet Protocol Suite. It is responsible for routing data packets between devices on different networks, and ensuring that they ar ... Read More >>
- Photodetector: A photodetector is a device that detects electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, ultraviolet radiation, or infrared radiation, and converts it into an electrical signal. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, photo ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06