An Assessment of Very High Earth Orbits

Abstract

It is argued that the properties of the upper region of high Earth orbits (above half a million kilometres altitude) differ markedly from the lower region, and should be given a separate designation when considering the utilisation of its special properties. These Very High Earth Orbits (VHEOs) represents 96% of the space dominated by Earth’s gravity. They are slightly easier to reach than Geostationary orbit, and once achieved have orbit manoeuvring requirements an order of magnitude lower than in other Earth orbits. It has the ability to create constellations that could create giant interferometric telescope arrays, or interplanetary communications systems without interruptions from solar eclipses. It is also the most practical location for nuclear waste disposal. In the longer term, Very High Earth Orbits are the best location for space colonies providing permanent human settlement of space. Keywords: Very High Earth Orbits, Space Infrastructure, Radio Astronomy, Nuclear Waste Disposal, Space Colonisation