synchronous orbit [`siŋ·krǝ·nǝs `ȯr·bǝt] AEROSPACE ENGINEERING 1. An orbit in which a satellite makes a limited number of equatorial crossing points which are then repeated in synchronism with some defined reference (usually earth or sun). 2. Commonly, the equatorial, circular, 24-hour case in which the satellite appears to hover over a specific point of the earth. |