Communications satellite of a GEO satellite. Like LEOs, these satellites don’t maintain a stationary distance from the earth. This is in contrast to the geostationary orbit, where satellites are always approximately from the earth. Typically the orbit of a medium earth orbit satellite is about above earth. In various patterns, these satellites make the trip around earth in anywhere from 2 to 8 hours. In 1962, the first communications satellite, Telstar, was launched. It was a medium earth orbit satellite designed to help facilitate high-speed telephone signals. Although it was the first practical way to transmit signals over the horizon, its major
ABS (satellite operator) ABS (satellite operator) ABS, formerly Asia Broadcast Satellite, is a global satellite operator based in Hong Kong and officially incorporated in Bermuda. Its services include direct-to-home and satellite-to-cable TV distribution, cellular services, and internet services. Operating 6 communication satellites, the satellite fleet currently covers 93% of the world’s population including the Americas, Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States. ABS was recognized by the Export-Import Bank of the United States for the purchase of two all-electric satellites (ABS-2A and ABS-3A) and one satellite (ABS-2) utilizing conventional propellant using the bank's loans, which created "an