// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Inclination
Inclination is the angle between a satellite's orbital plane and a reference plane, such as the Earth's equator or the ecliptic plane.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Inclination is one of the Keplerian orbital elements, defining the angle between a satellite's orbital plane and a specified reference plane (e.g., Earth's equatorial plane, ecliptic plane), ranging from 0 to 180 degrees.
BACKGROUND
Bigelow Aerospace was an American space design and manufacturing company which ceased operations in 2020. It was an aeronautics and outer space technology company which manufactured and developed expandable space station modules. Bigelow Aerospace was founded by Robert Bigelow in 1998, and was based in North Las Vegas, Nevada. It was funded in large part by the profit Bigelow gained through his ownership of the hotel chain Budget Suites of America.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Orbital inclination
- plane angle
USAGE NOTE
A satellite's inclination determines which latitudes it can observe or communicate with.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Inclination.
Designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. Involved in orbital mechanics for its Starlink constellation and various launch services, where achieving specific inclinations is critical for mission success and global coverage.
A U.S. government agency responsible for the civilian space program, aeronautics research, and space exploration. Orbital inclination is a fundamental parameter in the design and execution of virtually all its satellite missions and planetary probes.
An intergovernmental organisation of 22 member states dedicated to the exploration of space. It undertakes a wide range of space missions, all of which require precise calculation and control of orbital parameters like inclination.
A private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. They specialize in precise payload delivery, where achieving specific orbital inclinations is a key service for their customers.
A joint venture of Lockheed Martin Space and Boeing Defense, Space & Security, providing launch services for U.S. government missions. Delivers payloads to specific orbital parameters, including various inclinations, as required by their customers.
A French company that markets and operates the Ariane, Soyuz, and Vega families of launch vehicles. It provides commercial launch services, placing satellites into orbits with precisely defined inclinations.
Operates the world's largest fleet of Earth-observing satellites. Managing a large constellation for daily imagery requires sophisticated orbital mechanics and inclination management to ensure desired coverage patterns.
Provides space situational awareness and space traffic management services. Understanding and predicting changes in orbital inclination is essential for tracking objects in space and mitigating collision risks.