What is the name of an orbit maintained at a virtually constant altitude above the earth's surface?

A circular orbit is one that maintains a constant altitude above the Earth's surface, allowing an object to travel in a path that is equidistant from the center of the Earth at all times. In a circular orbit, the gravitational force acting on the object is balanced by the object's centripetal force, which keeps it moving in a stable path. This perfect balance ensures that the altitude does not change, making it essential for satellites that need to remain at a fixed height, such as those used for communication or weather monitoring.

Other types of orbits, like elliptical orbits, involve varying distances from the Earth's surface, meaning the altitude of the object changes throughout its orbit. A highly eccentric orbit has a significant difference between its closest and farthest points from the Earth, leading to even more variable altitudes. Geosynchronous orbit, while it maintains a constant position relative to the Earth in terms of rotation, refers specifically to an orbit that has a particular altitude and period equal to the Earth's rotation, which is indeed a form of circular orbit, but requires specificity regarding its alignment with the Earth's equator.