What is the widely cited minimum number for continuous Earth coverage using geostationary satellites?

Answer

Three

The widely cited theoretical minimum number required to achieve complete and continuous global coverage specifically when using satellites placed in the Geostationary Orbit (GEO) ring is three. These three satellites are ideally intended to be spaced evenly around the equator. However, even this absolute mathematical minimum necessitates very careful positioning to ensure that their respective coverage areas overlap sufficiently. This overlap is crucial to prevent any terrestrial gaps from forming between the coverage footprints of adjacent satellites. While three represents the minimum theoretical threshold, practical engineering solutions often involve deploying four or five GEO satellites to guarantee reliable coverage by accounting for potential obstructions or ensuring seamless handoffs between connections without loss of service.

Related Questions

What is the widely cited minimum number for continuous Earth coverage using geostationary satellites?What figure approximates the bare minimum LEO satellites needed at an altitude of 1,000 kilometers?Which orbital regime demands massive quantity for minimum delay, contrasting with GEO's few units?Roughly what percentage of the Earth's surface can a single satellite in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) observe ideally?What is the single most important factor determining the required quantity of satellites for coverage?Why do LEO constellations require orders of magnitude more satellites than a GEO system?For practical GEO systems avoiding obstructions, what number of satellites is often proposed beyond the absolute minimum?What significant trade-off is associated with the low count of satellites used in Geostationary Orbit (GEO)?If 48 satellites is the bare minimum for continuous LEO coverage at 1,000 km, what number suggests wider coverage or redundancy at that altitude?What requirement causes the satellite count to swell dramatically, contrasting with the small number needed for coverage sometime during 24 hours?

satellites constellation orbital mechanics earth coverage