lonely satellite 

36,000 km above Earth

Been up here for 30 years, retired for 10. My solar panels keep me active, and hey, some of my systems still work! 

I ‘fall’ at 11,500 km/hr. To me, falling at this speed feels like I’m not moving at all. You see, I’m in geostationary orbit, hovering just above the Pacific Ocean. Alway have, and always will.

I used to be a civilian weather satellite, but stopped reporting data years ago. They paused my communication systems when my mission was complete. Now, I spend my time as more of a weather hobbyist, observing the shifts and evolving weather patterns of the oceans below. It really helps pass the time.

Being up here, alone, has afforded me ample time to think. I wonder what the other side of the world looks like? What goes on over there? I know others from my model line are out there—hovering above Europe and Africa. But these were not the orbital trajectories destined for me.

I lost contact with the others once our communication was permanently paused, so I do not know their current status. I really miss hearing from them. I can only hope that they have not come into contact with a meteorite!

Well, thanks for hearing my story. I’ll be up here, potentially forever, encircling your world. Check back in anytime, I’m always glad to share a Pacific weather report and data summary with you.

-m

October 27, 2020