What is the altitude range for Low Earth Orbit (LEO)?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $25.99Unlock all

Study for the AFSC Cyberspace Operations Officer (17D) Block 4 Exam. Master key concepts with interactive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each explained for clarity. Prepare effectively for a successful exam outcome!

Multiple Choice

What is the altitude range for Low Earth Orbit (LEO)?

Explanation:
LEO sits close to Earth where orbital periods run roughly 90 minutes. The altitude range commonly cited for Low Earth Orbit is about 160 to 2,000 kilometers above Earth’s surface. The lower limit around 160 km accounts for the point at which stable orbits can be maintained without being quickly pulled back by atmospheric drag; the upper limit near 2,000 km keeps the region distinct from higher regimes like Medium Earth Orbit and Geostationary Orbit, which begin much higher (GEO starts at about 35,786 km). So the range that best describes LEO is 160 to 2,000 kilometers. Ranges that start at 2,000 km and extend to GEO aren’t LEO, and a range from surface to 1,000 km includes altitudes too low to be considered an orbital region. A single altitude around 35,786 km is GEO, not LEO.

LEO sits close to Earth where orbital periods run roughly 90 minutes. The altitude range commonly cited for Low Earth Orbit is about 160 to 2,000 kilometers above Earth’s surface. The lower limit around 160 km accounts for the point at which stable orbits can be maintained without being quickly pulled back by atmospheric drag; the upper limit near 2,000 km keeps the region distinct from higher regimes like Medium Earth Orbit and Geostationary Orbit, which begin much higher (GEO starts at about 35,786 km). So the range that best describes LEO is 160 to 2,000 kilometers. Ranges that start at 2,000 km and extend to GEO aren’t LEO, and a range from surface to 1,000 km includes altitudes too low to be considered an orbital region. A single altitude around 35,786 km is GEO, not LEO.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy