How fast do satellites travel ?

Satellites orbiting the Earth travel at remarkable speeds, which are necessary to maintain their orbits and fulfill their intended functions. The velocity of a satellite depends on its altitude and the type of orbit it is in.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, which typically orbit at altitudes ranging from about 100 miles (160 kilometers) to 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface, travel at speeds averaging around 17,500 miles per hour (28,000 kilometers per hour). This rapid velocity allows them to complete an orbit around the Earth approximately every 90 minutes.

In contrast, satellites in Geostationary Orbit (GEO), which orbit at an altitude of approximately 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above the Earth’s equator, travel at slower speeds. These satellites move at a velocity that matches the Earth’s rotation, allowing them to appear stationary relative to a fixed point on the Earth’s surface. The speed of satellites in GEO is approximately 6,800 miles per hour (11,000 kilometers per hour).

It’s important to note that these speeds are relative to the Earth’s surface and may vary slightly depending on factors such as orbital eccentricity and perturbations from gravitational forces. Overall, the high speeds at which satellites travel enable them to effectively perform their communication, observation, navigation, and other functions critical for modern technology and infrastructure.