Which term describes the path of a satellite in relation to Earth's surface?

Which term describes the path of a satellite in relation to Earth's surface?

• A. Orbital inclination
• B. Orbital eccentricity
• C. Ground track
• D. Satellite azimuth

Answer: (C)

The term that describes the path of a satellite in relation to Earth's surface is the ground track. This refers to the actual trajectory that a satellite traces out over the surface of the Earth as it orbits. As the satellite moves in its orbit, the ground track represents the point on Earth's surface directly beneath the satellite at any given moment. This is important for various applications, including communications and remote sensing, as it helps operators know where the satellite's signals can be received on the ground. In contrast, orbital inclination refers to the tilt of the satellite's orbit in relation to the Earth's equatorial plane, and orbital eccentricity describes the shape of the satellite’s orbit—whether it is more circular or elliptical. Satellite azimuth specifies the compass direction from which the satellite signal is coming, which is not the same as describing the path of the satellite itself.

The term that describes the path of a satellite in relation to Earth's surface is the ground track. This refers to the actual trajectory that a satellite traces out over the surface of the Earth as it orbits.

As the satellite moves in its orbit, the ground track represents the point on Earth's surface directly beneath the satellite at any given moment. This is important for various applications, including communications and remote sensing, as it helps operators know where the satellite's signals can be received on the ground.

In contrast, orbital inclination refers to the tilt of the satellite's orbit in relation to the Earth's equatorial plane, and orbital eccentricity describes the shape of the satellite’s orbit—whether it is more circular or elliptical. Satellite azimuth specifies the compass direction from which the satellite signal is coming, which is not the same as describing the path of the satellite itself.