Different orbits
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), is the region around Earth which is above low Earth orbit. MEO starts at roughly an altitude of 2,000 km (1,243 mi) above sea level. MEO extends up to an altitude of 35,786 km (22,236 mi) above sea level which is a geosynchronous orbit . Sometimes MEO is also know as an intermediate circular orbit (ICO).
Although historically a small minority of spacecraft have operated in MEO, the number of such satellites residing in or routinely transiting the zone is increasing. The question thus arises: should MEO be considered an orbital debris protected region? This paper first reviews the characteristics of space systems now utilizing MEO, as well as those anticipated to join them in the near future. MEO is then contrasted with LEO and GEO, both physically and pragmatically. Recommended orbital debris mitigation guidelines for MEO space vehicles are highlighted, and the challenges of spacecraft and launch vehicle stage disposal are recognized. Note is also made of the principal tenets of the United Nations Outer Space Treaty and of recent trends toward de facto partitioning of MEO. Finally, the efficacy and practicality of establishing MEO as a new protected region with regard to orbital debris is addressed.
