Geostationary satellite orbit
A geostationary satellite orbit is a circular path above Earth's equator where a satellite moves at the same rate as Earth's rotation, appearing stationary over one longitude.
Also known as: geostationary orbit period, GEO period
How big is it?
23.93 h · orbital period
Orbital period · specified
A little perspective
Geostationary satellite orbit vs A workday: duration comparison
The orbital period of a geostationary satellite orbit is about 2.99 times the duration of a workday.
ELAPSED TIME
A geostationary satellite orbit is a circular path above Earth's equator where a satellite moves at the same rate as Earth's rotation, appearing stationary over one longitude.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Geostationary satellite orbit
Orbital period: 23.93 h; specified.
A geostationary satellite’s orbital period matches Earth’s sidereal rotation, about 86,164.09 seconds. Maintaining a fixed apparent longitude also requires a circular equatorial prograde orbit.
NASA — Catalogue of Earth satellite orbits
The marked orbital period is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
A workday
Time: 8 h; reference interval.
A chosen eight-hour working day.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked time is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 23.93 h
We compare the orbital period of a geostationary satellite orbit. This value follows a stated specification; check its scope in the notes.
A geostationary satellite’s orbital period matches Earth’s sidereal rotation, about 86,164.09 seconds. Maintaining a fixed apparent longitude also requires a circular equatorial prograde orbit.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23.93 h | Not recorded | specified |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueTime and durationSaturn rotation period10.7 hApproximate rotation periodSaturn's rotation period is the time the planet takes to complete one full turn relative to distant stars, defining its day.Nearest higher valueTime and durationMoon phase synodic cycle29.53 daysMean synodic monthThe Moon phase synodic cycle is the average time between identical lunar phases, such as from one full moon to the next.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NASA — Catalogue of Earth satellite orbitsA geostationary orbit matches Earth’s sidereal rotation and requires circular equatorial prograde motion.
There’s always another scale
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