SDO (Solar Dynamics Observatory) Orbit

SDO (The Solar Dynamics Observatory) is a NASA mission to observe the Sun. The satellite is stationed in an unusual inclined geosynchronous orbit, appearing to move in a figure-eight pattern oscillating about 28.5 degrees on both sides of the equator. The probe will remain in constant view over the White Sands ground station throughout its mission. Officials selected the orbit to maximize SDO's data return and minimize the time the satellite will spend in Earth's shadow, when the sun would be blocked from view.