It also depends on the mass of the planet but not it's diameter. If the
earth had it's current size and rotational rate but was more or less
massive (density) ,the geostationary altitude would be higher or lower
respectively.


m II wrote:
clifto wrote:



The height of the orbit has EVERYTHING to do with it.


You're right, of course. I sent a too hasty response to LMFAceO when I
interpreted his posting as saying that the great distance was
responsible for the 'apparent' stationary state.

My apologies.

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The orbital velocity of the satellite depends on its altitude above
Earth. The nearer Earth, the faster the required orbital velocity. At an
altitude of 124 miles (200 kilometers), the required orbital velocity is
just over 17,000 mph (about 27,400 kph). To maintain an orbit that is
22,223 miles (35,786 km) above Earth, the satellite must orbit at a
speed of about 7,000 mph (11,300 kph). That orbital speed and distance
permits the satellite to make one revolution in 24 hours. Since Earth
also rotates once in 24 hours, a satellite at 22,223 miles altitude
stays in a fixed position relative to a point on Earth's surface.
Because the satellite stays right over the same spot all the time, this
kind of orbit is called "geostationary."

http://www.allgoodpeople.net/showthr...?t=2115&page=2

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mike