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Reference.org
Geostationary transfer orbit
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<p>In space mission design, a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) or geosynchronous transfer orbit is a highly <a href="/facts/Elliptic_orbit/SfuXuATN">elliptical</a> type of <a href="/facts/Geocentric_orbit/geC4BF1x">geocentric orbit</a>, usually with a <a href="/facts/Perigee/VaL6ow9w">perigee</a> as low as <a href="/facts/Low_Earth_orbit/rq1TwayJ">low Earth orbit</a> (LEO) and an <a href="/facts/Apogee/VaL6ow9w">apogee</a> as high as <a href="/facts/Geostationary_orbit/VBq1v5Kr">geostationary orbit</a> (GEO). <a href="/facts/Satellite/PTX8c68t">Satellites</a> that are destined for <a href="/facts/Geosynchronous_orbit/nR2yaeUg">geosynchronous orbit</a> (GSO) or GEO are often put into a GTO as an intermediate step for reaching their final orbit. Manufacturers of launch vehicles often advertise the amount of payload the vehicle can put into GTO. </p>