geostationary

adjective

geo·​sta·​tion·​ary ˌjē-ō-ˈstā-shə-ˌner-ē 

: being or having an equatorial orbit at an altitude of about 22,300 miles (35,900 kilometers) requiring an angular velocity the same as that of the earth so that the position of a satellite in such an orbit is fixed with respect to the earth

Examples of geostationary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Apophis is set to pass within 32,000 kilometers of Earth on April 13, 2029, swooping below the altitude of geostationary satellites. — Andrew Jones, Scientific American, 30 July 2026

China last summer completed the first-ever refueling of a satellite in geostationary orbit, more than 22,000 miles above Earth. — Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 30 July 2026

Falcon Heavy is SpaceX's heavy-lift launch vehicle, capable of launching up to 58,860 pounds (26,700 kg) to geostationary transfer orbit. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 23 July 2026

The mission will test a new servicing model that allows a single spacecraft to install propulsion modules on multiple satellites in geostationary orbit. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for geostationary

• accretionary
• apothecary
• bicentenary
• certiorari
• concessionary
• concretionary
• confectionary
• confectionery
• constabulary
• contemporary
• deflationary
• depositary