Orbit class
Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
A special LEO with 96–102° inclination that keeps the orbital plane aligned with the Sun. Earth observation favorite.
3,846 cataloged objects in this orbit class.
Sun-Synchronous Orbit is a polar-ish LEO designed so the orbital plane precesses to keep pace with the Sun. The satellite passes over any given location at the same local solar time on every orbit — extremely useful for consistent lighting on Earth imagery. Landsat, Sentinel, and most major Earth observation missions use SSO at ~97–99° inclination.
Examples
- NEOSSAT
- FENGYUN 1C DEB
- ZIYUAN 1-02C (ZY 1-02C)
- FENGYUN 1C DEB
- STARLINK-37302
- FENGYUN 1C DEB
- FENGYUN 1C DEB
- TISAT 1
- SENTINEL-1A
- FENGYUN 1C DEB
- FENGYUN 1C DEB
- STARLINK-35176
- FENGYUN 1C DEB
- STARLINK-37706
- FENGYUN 1C DEB
- STARLINK-4362
- FENGYUN 1C DEB
- S-NET C
- FENGYUN 1C DEB
- STARLINK-37230
- STARLINK-37279
- FENGYUN 1C DEB
- STARLINK-37467
- STARLINK-36796