Appendix B: Summary of Orbital Mechanics Relevant to Remote Sensing

Abstract

Orbit selection and sensor characteristics are closely related to the strategy required to achieve the desired results. Different types of orbits are required to achieve continuous monitoring, repetitive coverage of different periodicities, global mapping, or selective imaging. The vast majority of earth-orbiting remote sensing satellites use circular orbits. Planetary orbiters usually have elliptical orbits, which are less taxing on the spacecraft orbital propulsion system and combine some of the benefits of high and low orbits thus allowing a broader flexibility to achieve multiple scientific objectives.