An orbit is the curved trajectory of an object around a celestial body.
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Term
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Orbit
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synchronous
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orbit with orbital period that is a rational multiple of the average rotational period of the celestial body and in the same direction of rotation
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geosynchronous (GSO)
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orbit with orbital period equal to 1 Earth's rotation (sidereal day)
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semi-synchronous
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orbit with orbital period that is half the average rotational period and in the same direction of rotation
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supersynchronous
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orbit with an orbital period greater than the rotational period of the celestial body
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subsynchronous
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orbit close to but below the GSO, with an eastern drift
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graveyard (disposal)
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orbit beyond GSO used when the satellite is at the end of operation
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areosynchronous
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synchronous orbit around Mars with orbital period equals to length of a Martian day
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areostationary (ASO)
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circular areosynchronous orbit around Mars on the equatorial plane; appears as a fixed point in the sky
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There are 2 subtypes of geosynchronous orbits:
(1) geostationary (GEO): geosynchronous with circular orbit and 0 degrees inclination; appears as a fixed point in the sky
(2) tundra: synchronous with elliptic orbit that shows significant inclination; orbital period 1 Earth's day (sidereal day)
