Abstract: One or more satellites are stored or parked in a quasi-equatorial orbit in an inoperative or nonoperating state for subsequent operation in an equatorial plane at synchronous altitude and maintained in that plane thereafter by north-south station-keeping control systems. The satellite is launched in a slightly inclined orbit relative to the equatorial plane of the earth to limit the inclination that may be induced by perturbations for significantly long periods of time during the stored or parked mode without the need for north-south station-keeping control systems aboard the satellite for orbit adjustments.