What type of orbit allows an object to stay stationary relative to the Earth's surface?

A geostationary orbit is characterized by an object orbiting the Earth at a specific altitude where its orbital period matches the rotation period of the Earth. This altitude is approximately 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above the Earth's equator. In this orbit, the satellite moves in sync with the Earth’s rotation; as the Earth rotates beneath it, the satellite remains fixed over the same point on the surface. This makes geostationary orbits particularly advantageous for communication satellites, weather satellites, and surveillance systems, as they maintain a constant position relative to the Earth's surface.

Other orbit types, like polar, elliptical, and low Earth orbits, do not provide the same stationary relationship with the Earth's surface. A polar orbit passes over the Earth's poles and allows the satellite to cover the entire surface over time, but it is not fixed to one location. An elliptical orbit, which can take a satellite close to or far from the Earth at different points in its path, also does not maintain a stationary position. Similarly, low Earth orbit refers to a range of altitudes where satellites complete one orbit in approximately 90 to 100 minutes, moving quickly relative to the Earth's surface and thus not remaining stationary over any single point.