Orbit Selection of Remote Sensing Satellite in Polar Regions

Abstract Orbit selection of the remote sensing polar satellite is critical for polar observation missions. This paper reviews the current status and characteristics of satellite orbits in polar region, and analyzes the pros and cons of four major types of remote sensing polar satellite orbits, namely sun - synchronous orbits, geosynchronous orbits, low - Earth polar orbits, and highly elliptical orbits. For future remote sensing polar satellites with high resolution, sun - synchronous orbits should be chosen for optical remote sensing missions, and low - Earth polar orbits are suitable for other remote sensing missions with no specific requirements for lighting conditions on the ground. Using constellation with multiple satellites and multi-orbit coordination can achieve full coverage and frequent revisits in polar regions. Finally, it is pointed out that there is an urgent need to build a dedicated remote sensing polar satellite system. Furthermore, there is a need to further explore new types of polar orbits and corresponding application scenario, as well as to develop commercial small satellites for polar region, in order to enhance the comprehensive capabilities of observation in polar region.