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used for this purpose are in low each orbit (LEO) and consequently
have a high velocity. Their orbit time is approximately 1.5 hours and
between successive orbits the earth has rotated 22.5
◦
. Sixteen orbits
are therefore needed to scan the earth’s surface. Until recently polar
orbits were used only for optical surveillance but now several projects
for radio communication are either in the early stages of installation
or under development. These use a number of satellites so that for
mobile communications, for instance, there is a satellite continuously
in view. Tracking of these extremely fast satellites by the ground
stations, which may themselves be moving, along with Doppler effect
has been a major obstacle which is now being overcome.
22.2 Communications ...