Polar Orbit
Earth-observation and reconnaissance satellites that must image the entire globe as it rotates beneath them.
Overview
A low orbit inclined close to 90° that passes over (or near) both poles, letting a satellite eventually observe the whole planet as the Earth turns underneath it.
Typical uses
Earth-observation and reconnaissance satellites that must image the entire globe as it rotates beneath them.
Satellites in this orbit
2 satellites and constellations modelled in this orbit.
- ICESat-2Active
A NASA laser-altimetry mission measuring the elevation of ice sheets, glaciers, sea ice, and vegetation to track a changing planet.
OperatorNASAOrbitPolarLaunched2018 - SMAPActive
A NASA mission mapping the moisture in Earth's surface soil to improve weather and climate models and monitor drought and floods.
OperatorNASAOrbitPolarLaunched2015
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.
- ESAEuropean Space Agency
European missions, observatories, and space science imagery.