What is a key characteristic of Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites?

• A. High speed, low coverage
• B. Slower than LEO, but has high coverage
• C. Travels at the same rate as the Earth's rotation
• D. Stationed 900-24k miles away from Earth

Answer: (B)

Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites are characterized by a balance of coverage area and operational speed. They typically orbit the Earth at altitudes that allow them to achieve a broader coverage than Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, yet they do so at slower speeds compared to LEO satellites. This characteristic makes MEO satellites suitable for applications such as global navigation systems (like GPS) and various communication services, as they can provide more consistent coverage over larger areas compared to lower orbits.

The slower orbit speed in MEO is due to the higher altitude at which these satellites operate, which means they do not pass directly over the same point on the Earth's surface as rapidly as LEO satellites do. As a result, MEO satellites can maintain stable communication links without frequent handovers that might be necessary in other types of orbital arrangements, thus enhancing service quality.

This unique balance of speed and coverage makes MEO satellites particularly valuable for specific applications, highlighting their strategic role in the satellite communication and navigation ecosystem.