geosynchronous

/ˈdʒioʊˌsɪŋkrənəs/

Geosynchronous describes a certain type of movement by something orbiting Earth, such as a satellite. A geosynchronous orbit is one that moves around Earth at the same speed Earth rotates.

Earth makes one complete rotation approximately every 24 hours (specifically, 23 hours, 56 minutes, 4.1 seconds). Something that's geosynchronous circles Earth once in that same amount of time. A geosynchronous orbit brings a satellite back to the same position relative to an observer on Earth at the exact same time every day, because its movement is deliberately synchronized with the Earth's rotation. Geosynchronous is from the Greek geo-, "Earth," and synkhronos, "happening at the same time."

Definitions of geosynchronous

1. adjective

   of or having an orbit with a fixed period of 24 hours (although the position in the orbit may not be fixed with respect to the earth)
   synonyms:

   fixed

   securely placed or fastened or set