Why doesn't ISS pass over the polar regions?

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The International Space Station (ISS) does not pass over the polar regions due to its orbital inclination of approximately 50°, which means it orbits in a plane tilted 50° from the equator. This inclination allows the ISS to cover most land areas while avoiding the Arctic and Antarctic regions, as its maximum latitudes are around 50°N and 50°S. The design of this orbit facilitates easier access from launch sites like Baikonur in Kazakhstan, minimizing fuel expenditure when transitioning from a high to a low orbital inclination. Consequently, the ISS's trajectory is optimized for operational efficiency rather than polar coverage. Understanding this orbital mechanics is crucial for comprehending the ISS's operational parameters.
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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