4.2.4.2. Sentinel-3 orbit

Choice of orbit

The Sentinel-3 orbit provides an optimal compromise between spatial and temporal sampling for capturing mesoscale ocean structures, offering an improvement on SSH mapping error of up to 44% over Jason due to improved spatial sampling and 8% over the Envisat 35-day orbit due to better temporal sampling.

Orbit parameters

Main characteristics
Inclination (sun-synchronous)	98.5°
Auxiliary data
Reference altitude (equatorial)	814 km
Repeat cycle	27 days
Number of passes per cycle	~770
Ground track separation at Equator	104 km

(Source ESA)