Which type of orbit allows a satellite to appear stationary above the same point on Earth?

A geostationary orbit allows a satellite to appear stationary above the same point on Earth because it matches the Earth's rotation period. This orbit is situated at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers above the equator, allowing the satellite to move in sync with the Earth's rotation, completing one orbit in exactly 24 hours. As a result, observers on the ground see the satellite continually in the same position in the sky, making it ideal for communication satellites.

Polar, elliptical, and inclined orbits do not provide this stationary effect. A polar orbit passes over the poles, allowing the satellite to cover the entire Earth over time, while elliptical orbits have varying distances from the Earth, leading to changing positions in the sky relative to the surface. Inclined orbits are tilted relative to the equator and do not maintain a fixed position over a point on the Earth. Thus, the unique properties of geostationary orbits enable the satellite's stationary appearance relative to the Earth's surface.