Space Regulatory Glossary Orbital Mechanics

sun-synchronous orbit

noun

1. A near-polar orbit in which a satellite passes over any given point on Earth's surface at the same local solar time on every pass. Achieved by precisely tuning the orbital altitude and inclination so that Earth's equatorial bulge causes the orbital plane to precess at exactly one revolution per year.
2. The preferred orbit for Earth observation and remote sensing satellites because it provides consistent lighting conditions for imaging. Most sun-synchronous orbits are at altitudes between 600 and 900 km.

Related terms

LEO Low Earth orbit. An orbit around Earth at altitudes between approximately 160 km and 2,000 km. remote sensing license A license issued by NOAA authorizing a private entity to operate a system that collects data about Earth from space. synthetic aperture radar An active remote sensing technology that uses the motion of a satellite or aircraft to simulate a much larger antenna,…

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