[samtheman]

appeared to be headed for a geostationary orbit

How many geostationary orbits are there?

They all have to be over the equator, correct?

Do they all have to be the same altitude, regardless of the weight of the orbiting object?

[BGHater]

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av018/

Worth a read.

[Rockingham]

Yes, all geostationary orbits are over the equator. The weight of a satellite does not affect the orbit, only the power of the boost need to place it there. On the other hand, heavier satellites tend to be more capable, more consequential, and more expensive. This particular satellite seems to be a stop gap to avoid loss of defense communications capability before the next generation of major defense communications satellites is built and orbited.

[Straight Vermonter]

Yeah anywhere above the equator but the orbit is 265,000km long so there is a lot of room up there.