Orbital Slot

An orbital slot is a designated position in space where a satellite’s antenna can reliably communicate with ground stations. It is determined by the satellite's specific orbit path and longitude, ensuring it stays in a fixed position relative to Earth’s surface. These slots are carefully allocated by international authorities like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to prevent interference among satellites, especially for communication, broadcasting, or navigation services. Essentially, an orbital slot is a reserved "parking spot" in Earth's orbit, allowing satellites to operate efficiently without overlapping or causing signal conflicts with others nearby.