What orbit did Toms space station occupy?
Interestingly, the orbit of Tom Swift’s space station coincides with the geostationary orbit of many current radio satellites: “Twenty-two thousand miles would be better for broadcasting purposes,” Mr. Swift spoke up. “And the station should be in a path directly above the earth’s equator, I suppose.” “Yes,” said Mr. Bruce. “At that altitude the space station would revolve in its orbit once every twenty-four hours–exactly in time with the earth’s rotation. And above the equator it would remain fixed above the same geographical spot at all times, which is what we would need.” Sketching in the sand with a sea shell, Tom went on to describe how the rockets would take off straight upward, then gradually tilt to an easterly course. After climbing to a height of 22,300 miles, they would finally level off. “After that they will travel in one orbit, keeping opposite the same spot on earth at all times.” “You mean the space station will stay in that location?” Phyl asked. “Yes.” “Good night!”
