Earth orbit is an orbit around the planet Earth. The Moon, Earth's only natural satellite, is in Earth orbit. Artificial satellites are launched into Earth orbit, and spacecraft bound for other locations in the solar system usually begin their missions by first attaining Earth orbit, before altering course to another planet, moon, or heliocentric (solar) orbit.
Of special interest are LEO (Low Earth Orbit), HEO (High Earth Orbit) and geosynchronous orbit.
See also
Last updated: 08-06-2005 22:11:26
Last updated: 10-29-2005 02:13:46