6.6.2 Positioning on geostationary orbit
Starting with the highly elliptical transfer orbit into which the launcher has inserted the satellite, the
positioning phase consists of carrying out the manoeuvres necessary to circularize and equatorialize
this orbit, and then gradually directing the satellite to its stationary position.
This short phase, lasting one to two weeks, calls for different methods from those used for the
operational phase. The short duration of this phase permits the use of the same means for the various
programmes