LowEarth
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.

4,155 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