Which US weather satellites are in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)?

Which US weather satellites are in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)?

• A. GOES
• B. POES and DMSP
• C. GPS and NPP
• D. METOP

Answer: (B)

The correct choice identifies POES (Polar Operational Environmental Satellites) and DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) as weather satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). LEO satellites operate at altitudes typically ranging from about 160 km to 2,000 km above the Earth's surface. POES satellites are crucial for providing data on the atmosphere and surface conditions, which are essential for weather forecasting and monitoring climate change. They are positioned in polar orbits, allowing them to cover the entire Earth's surface as the planet rotates beneath them. Similarly, DMSP satellites are designed to collect meteorological data and are also positioned in low Earth orbits. They play a significant role in military and civilian weather prediction and monitoring. In contrast, the other options contain satellites that do not fall within the Low Earth Orbit category. The GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) operate in geostationary orbit, providing continuous monitoring of the same area on Earth. GPS satellites, although crucial for navigation, also do not belong to the weather satellite category and are in medium Earth orbit. METOP satellites, like POES, serve meteorological functions, but they are designed to operate in polar orbits as well, similar to the

The correct choice identifies POES (Polar Operational Environmental Satellites) and DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) as weather satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

LEO satellites operate at altitudes typically ranging from about 160 km to 2,000 km above the Earth's surface. POES satellites are crucial for providing data on the atmosphere and surface conditions, which are essential for weather forecasting and monitoring climate change. They are positioned in polar orbits, allowing them to cover the entire Earth's surface as the planet rotates beneath them.

Similarly, DMSP satellites are designed to collect meteorological data and are also positioned in low Earth orbits. They play a significant role in military and civilian weather prediction and monitoring.

In contrast, the other options contain satellites that do not fall within the Low Earth Orbit category. The GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) operate in geostationary orbit, providing continuous monitoring of the same area on Earth. GPS satellites, although crucial for navigation, also do not belong to the weather satellite category and are in medium Earth orbit. METOP satellites, like POES, serve meteorological functions, but they are designed to operate in polar orbits as well, similar to the