Geostationary satellites:

• Geostationary satellites are those with the same orbital velocity and direction as that of the earth.
• Orbit the earth at a height of about 36000 km
• Positioned in the equatorial plane.
• Since the orbits are at great heights, one-third of the globe is brought under their observational unit.
• Since they move according to the same orbital movement of the earth, they always face the same region of the earth.
• Constant data collection of any one part of the earth is possible.
• Used for understanding the differences in weather conditions and for telecommunications.
• Eg: INSAT satellites of India.

Sun-synchronous satellites:

• These are satellites that move at a very low height.
• The orbital height is below 1000 km from the earth’s surface.
• Move by traversing the north-south poles.
• Less observation limit.
• Come over a particular region at a fixed interval of days.
• Continuous collection of information about a region is possible.
• Used for Collecting information about natural resources, land use, and groundwater.
• Eg: IRS and Landsat