Question

Evaluate following statements select the option that is accurate

Statement 1: Sun-synchronous orbits allow satellites to maintain consistent local solar time over a specific region.

Statement 2: This orbital feature is ideal for continuous solar-powered communication satellites in geostationary orbit.

• A. Only Statement 1 is correct
• B. Only Statement 2 is correct
• C. Both 1 and 2 are correct
• D. Neither 1 nor 2 are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Only Statement 1 is correct

Sun-Synchronous Orbits (SSO)

• A Sun-synchronous orbit is a near-polar orbit chosen by satellite designers to ensure that the satellite passes over any given point on the Earth's surface at the same local solar time each day.

• This consistency in lighting conditions is critical for optical sensors, remote sensing satellites, and weather monitoring, as it ensures that shadows and solar illumination angles remain constant during repeated observations.

• The orbit is achieved by utilizing the Earth's equatorial bulge, which causes the orbital plane to precess; the inclination is tuned so that the rate of precession matches the Earth's average orbital speed around the Sun (approximately 0.985 degrees per day)