1. **State the problem:** We need to find the arc length $s$ between two synchronous satellites orbiting at radius $r = 4.23 \times 10^7$ m with an angular separation $\theta = 2^\circ$. 2. **Convert the angle from degrees to radians:** Since arc length formula requires radians, convert $\theta$: $$\theta = 2^\circ \times \frac{\pi}{180^\circ} = \frac{2\pi}{180} = \frac{\pi}{90} \approx 0.0349 \text{ radians}$$ 3. **Use the arc length formula:** $$s = r \times \theta$$ Substitute values: $$s = 4.23 \times 10^7 \times 0.0349 = 1.476 \times 10^6 \text{ m}$$ 4. **Round the answer:** $$s \approx 1.48 \times 10^6 \text{ m}$$ **Final answer:** The arc length separating the satellites is approximately $1.48 \times 10^6$ meters.