Why doesn't ISS pass over the polar regions?

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SUMMARY

The International Space Station (ISS) does not pass over the polar regions due to its orbital inclination of approximately 50°. This inclination means that the ISS orbits in a plane tilted 50° from the equatorial plane, limiting its direct coverage to latitudes of about 50°N and 50°S. The design of this orbit allows for efficient launches from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, minimizing fuel expenditure when transitioning from a high to a low orbital inclination.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics and inclination
  • Familiarity with the International Space Station's operational parameters
  • Knowledge of launch sites and their geographical implications
  • Basic concepts of Earth’s latitude and longitude
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  • Research the implications of orbital inclination on satellite coverage
  • Explore the launch dynamics from Baikonur, Kazakhstan
  • Learn about the ISS's operational orbit and its impact on global communication
  • Investigate other satellites with similar orbital inclinations
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Aerospace engineers, satellite communication specialists, and students of orbital mechanics will benefit from this discussion.

Ganesh Ujwal
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I'm aware that it orbits West to East and covers almost every part of the land on Earth. But what is the reason behind it not passing over Arctic and Antarctic regions?
 
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This is because of its orbital inclination. This is the "tilt" of its orbit relative to the equator.The orbital inclination of the international space station is about 50°, so it orbits in a plane that is tilted 50° from the equatorial plane of the earth. Therefore, the highest and lowest latitudes it goes directly over are roughly 50°N and 50°S. It is in a high orbital inclination so that it can be reached from Baiknour in Kazakhstan without spending much fuel going from a high orbital inclination to a low one.
 

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