At what altitude is a geostationary satellite typically positioned?

A geostationary satellite is positioned at an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometers above the Earth's equator. At this specific altitude, the satellite's orbital period matches the Earth's rotation period, which is about 24 hours. This synchronous orbit allows the satellite to remain fixed over a specific point on the Earth's surface, making it ideal for communication and weather monitoring purposes.

The altitude is crucial because at around 36,000 kilometers, the gravitational force and the centripetal force acting on the satellite are balanced, allowing the satellite to maintain a stationary position relative to the Earth. This unique characteristic is what distinguishes geostationary satellites from other types of satellites that move in different orbits.

Other altitudes mentioned are not suitable for creating a geostationary orbit; for instance, satellites at around 1,000 kilometers, 20,000 kilometers, or 50,000 kilometers would not be able to match Earth's rotation and would therefore not appear stationary from a ground observer's perspective. Only at approximately 36,000 kilometers can this balance of forces be achieved, which is why this altitude is designated for geostationary satellites.