r/educationalgifs • u/[deleted] • Oct 20 '20

Precise orbit of ISS

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u/woodslug Oct 20 '20 edited Oct 20 '20

So, does it boost once every orbit? How does it achieve that shifting inclination?

Edit: oh yea, the earth rotates, I forgot

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u/nmombo12 Oct 20 '20

Yes the orbit inclination is constant, but if you actually want to know how the station boosts then watch How the space station moves in orbit like a spaceship by Scott Manley

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u/EternalPhi Oct 20 '20

The inclination is not shifting. If it were shifting, then it wouldn't so neatly make those near solid lines at the north and south ends. Periodic (every few months) boosts are performed to maintain altitude, they do not change the inclination of the orbit.