A satellite being propelled into place, into a stationary orbit, is first fired to a special equatorial orbit called a " geostationary transfer orbit " (GTO). Within this oval-shaped (elliptical) orbit, the satellite will alternately swing out to 22,300 miles (35,890 km) high and then back down to an altitude of only 100 miles (160 km) above the Earth (223 times closer). Then, at a planned time and place, an attached "kick motor" will push the satellite out to maintain an even, circular orbit at the 22,300-mile altitude.