Sun-synchronous Orbit

In the context of aviation and aerospace, a Sun-synchronous Orbit (SSO) is a nearly polar orbit around a planet, in which the satellite passes over any given point of the planet's surface at the same local mean solar time. This type of orbit is used for satellites that carry instruments for imaging, reconnaissance, and weather data collection. The consistent lighting conditions created by the Sun-synchronous orbit is ideal for these types of applications. The orbit uses a specific inclination and altitude to ensure that the orbital plane precesses with the same rate as the planet's apparent solar time. This means that the satellite will always pass over a location on the planet's surface at the same local solar time, providing consistent lighting for imaging. The SSO is useful for consistent, long-term observations of weather patterns, environmental changes, and other phenomena that require regular monitoring under consistent lighting conditions.

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Sun-synchronous Orbit

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