Most orbits in space are actually close to being elliptical rather than perfectly circular. There are a few reasons for this:
Natural Variations: When satellites are launched into space, various factors such as gravitational influences from other celestial bodies, atmospheric drag, and solar radiation pressure can cause slight perturbations in their orbits. These perturbations lead to natural variations in the shape of the orbit, making it slightly elliptical.
Launch Constraints: Satellites are typically launched into space using rockets, and the trajectory of the rocket determines the initial orbit of the satellite. Achieving a perfectly circular orbit requires precise calculations and maneuvers, which can be challenging due to launch vehicle limitations and operational constraints. As a result, most satellites are placed into orbits that are close to being circular but still have some degree of ellipticity.
Orbit Stability: Elliptical orbits can be more stable than perfectly circular orbits in certain cases. Circular orbits can be more sensitive to perturbations, while elliptical orbits can better accommodate variations in gravitational forces or external influences. Engineers can design satellites to exploit this stability by choosing elliptical orbits that best suit the mission objectives.
That being said, there are certain types of satellites, such as geostationary satellites, that are intentionally placed in orbits with high eccentricity to achieve specific operational requirements. However, for many satellites in various applications, including communication, Earth observation, and scientific missions, the orbits tend to be close to elliptical rather than perfectly circular.