SOLAR SYSTEM

Detailed explanation-1: -Equatorial orbit − Angle of inclination is either zero degrees or 180 degrees. Polar orbit − Angle of inclination is 90 degrees.

Detailed explanation-2: -For a satellite orbiting the Earth directly above the Equator, the plane of the satellite’s orbit is the same as the Earth’s equatorial plane, and the satellite’s orbital inclination is 0°.

Detailed explanation-3: -When the angle of inclination is 0°, the satellite is directly above the equator. Orbits with 0° inclination are generally called equatorial orbits.

Detailed explanation-4: -An inclination of 0 degrees means the spacecraft orbits the planet at its equator, and in the same direction as the planet rotates.

Detailed explanation-5: -GPS satellites fly in circular orbits at an altitude of 10, 900 nautical miles (20, 200 km) and with a period of 12 hours. The orbits are tilted to the earth’s equator by 55 degrees to ensure coverage of polar regions.

Detailed explanation-6: -An inclination of 90 degrees indicates a polar orbit, in which the spacecraft passes over the north and south poles of the planet. An inclination of 180 degrees indicates a retrograde equatorial orbit.