Polar satellites

Geostationary satellites are generally placed at an altitude of about 36,000 km. But polar satellites are generally placed at an altitude of about 850 km, so that they circle the Earth every 100 minutes or so.

The first polar satellite was launched on February 24, 1996 by the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA). This was the second satellite to be launched under the global geospatial science project. TIDE / PSI research is an important function of the polar satellite.

The main purpose of a polar satellite is to collect information about radiation and other atmospheric hazards. When a satellite flies in the upper atmosphere, there is a possibility that the satellite’s instruments could be damaged by harmful radiation from the sun.

Polar satellites use both visible light and infrared (IR) radiation to measure temperature and humidity in the Earth’s atmosphere. Polar satellites also help record sea and groundwater temperatures, and monitor cloud cover and water / ice boundaries. Polar satellites can receive, measure, process, and relay data from balloons, buoys, and remote automated stations throughout the world. These satellites can also carry search and rescue transponders to help locate downed planes or ships in distress.

Polar satellites perform Antarctic ozone level measurements and long-term environmental measurements that are used to support studies of global climate change. Polar satellites are also called Low Earth Orbits (LEO). The polar satellite can see only the poles or a limited area of ​​the earth at the same time. A special polar orbit that crosses the equator and each of the latitudes at the same time every day is called a satellite in synchronous orbit with the sun.