What is the purpose of an orbit for a UAV in the event of lost communications?

The purpose of an orbit for a UAV in the event of lost communications is to fly a circular pattern until reacquired. This maneuver is designed to maintain the UAV’s position within a specific area, allowing for a better opportunity for the operator to regain control of the aircraft. By circling in an orbit, the UAV can avoid potential collisions and stay within a predetermined airspace without adding additional altitude changes or heading adjustments, which could complicate reestablishing communication.

This approach also maximizes the recent use of the UAV’s sensors and situational awareness, as it can continue to monitor its surroundings while waiting for a signal. It’s important to maintain this pattern systematically rather than attempting immediate landing or returning to the starting point, which might not always be safe depending on the UAV's current location and flight conditions.