Transfer Orbit

A transfer orbit is an intermediate orbit used to move a satellite from its initial injection orbit after launch to its final operational orbit. In satellite communications missions, the most common example is the geostationary transfer orbit, which is an elliptical orbit with a low perigee near Earth and a high apogee near geostationary altitude.

Satellites are placed into a transfer orbit by the launch vehicle and then use an apogee boost (kick) motor or the main propulsion subsystem to perform one or more burns near apogee to raise perigee, circularise the orbit, and adjust inclination as required. Transfer orbits minimize launch energy requirements and allow efficient use of onboard propulsion.