Discover published sets by community

An orbit in which a satellite moves in the opposite direction of the body's rotation. Rarely used due to the higher energy requirements, but it can be utilized for specific observational requirements or novelty.

An orbit generally located between 2,000 and 35,786 kilometers above Earth's surface. Primary applications include navigation systems like GPS and communication satellites.

An orbit where the satellite has an orbital period that matches Earth's rotation but is not necessarily equatorial, leading to a figure-8 ground track. It is primarily used for communication services.

An orbital maneuver that moves a spacecraft from one orbit to another, typically from a lower circular orbit to a higher one, using two engine impulses. Primary application is changing satellite altitudes or for interplanetary missions.

An orbit where the satellite passes above or nearly above both poles of the planet on each revolution. It typically covers the entire Earth's surface, making it useful for Earth observation and reconnaissance satellites.

A near-polar orbit that allows a satellite to pass over the same part of Earth at the same local solar time each day, generally at altitudes between 600 and 800 kilometers. Primary applications include Earth observation and spy satellites.

A highly elliptical orbit with an inclination of 63.4 degrees and an orbital period of about 12 hours. Primarily used for communication and weather satellites that serve high-latitude regions.

An orbit around a Lagrange point, a location in space where gravitational forces and the orbital motion of a body balance each other out. Applications include space telescopes and research platforms.

A highly elliptical geosynchronous orbit with a high inclination used mainly for communications satellites, providing coverage over the northern hemisphere, especially regions poorly covered by GEO satellites.

Orbit of a satellite around Earth at an altitude between about 160 kilometers and 2,000 kilometers. Primary applications include Earth observation, telecommunications, and crewed space missions.

A circular orbit at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers in the plane of the Earth's equator where the orbital period matches Earth's rotation. Primary applications include weather forecasting, satellite television, and long-range communications.

An orbit around the Moon, used by spacecraft that either study the Moon or use it as a stepping stone for deeper space exploration. Applications include lunar observation and acting as a relay for communication from rovers on the surface.

An orbit around the Sun, with varying distances and eccentricities. Primary applications include interplanetary missions, space telescopes, and solar observation satellites.

An orbit with high eccentricity, often used for satellites that need good coverage over high latitudes and can afford to be farther from Earth for parts of the orbit. Applications include communications and Earth observation.