Orbits Defined

> Orbital mechanics are.. Low orbit is anything above the atmosphere,
> but not a 'long' way away (kinda fuzzy). Geosynchronous would only be
> used by space stations/satellites that don't have any drives to speak
> of, and that want to stay above the same part of the planet. and it's
> thousands of miles up. FT ships have so much manuever power they can
> force their own orbits at whatever height they want
>
 I was using the following definition:
 The term high and low orbit come from the speed at which an object
orbits the planet. It seems strange, but is true that to move faster in
relation to the ground (in orbit) that you decrease your orbital
velocity. This causes you to "fall" toward the earth and actually gain
ground speed (due to the smaller orbital path).
 Geosynchronous orbit is where the unit (ship, station, etc.) is
traveling at such a speed in orbit that it remains above the same spot
on the globe.
 Low orbit is any orbit that is traveling slower (faster ground
speed/smaller
orbital path) than geosynchronous orbit. This is falling toward or
spiraling
in toward the planet.
 High orbit is any orbit that is traveling faster (slower
ground speed/larger orbital path) than geosynchronous orbit. This is
spiraling
out from the planet.
--

Brian Bell
brian.bell@axom.com

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