ABOUT SUN-SYNCHRONOUS ORBIT (SSO)
A Sun-Synchronous Orbit is a near-polar orbit where the satellite passes over the same point on Earth at the same local solar time each day. This is achieved by exploiting the J2 perturbation from Earth’s oblateness. SSO is ideal for remote sensing and Earth observation because it provides consistent lighting conditions for imaging.
ORBITAL PARAMETERS
| Altitude (Min) | 600 km |
| Altitude (Max) | 800 km |
| Inclination | 97-99° |
| Orbital Period | 96-100 minutes |
| Orbital Velocity | 7.5 km/s |
| Delta-V Required | 9.5 km/s |
| Eccentricity | 0-0.001 |
| Category | Earth Orbit |
EQUATION / FORMULA
Ω_dot = -3/2 * J2 * (R_E/a)^2 * n * cos(i)
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
ADVANTAGES
Consistent solar illumination, global coverage, repeatable ground tracks for change detection
DISADVANTAGES
Higher inclination requires more delta-v from equatorial launch sites, limited to specific altitude bands
HISTORY
| Discoverer / Pioneer | Derived from orbital mechanics theory, 1960s |
| First Use | August 12, 1960 |
ALTITUDE CONVERSIONS (MIN)
| Kilometers | 600 km |
| Miles | 373 mi |
| Nautical Miles | 324 nmi |
TYPICAL PAYLOADS (4)
SATELLITE CONSTELLATIONS (4)
