Near-equatorial orbit

A non-inclined orbit is an orbit coplanar with a plane of reference. The orbital inclination is 0° for prograde orbits, and π (180°) for retrograde ones. If the plane of reference is a massive spheroid body's equatorial plane, these orbits are called equatorial, and the non-inclined orbit is merely a special case of the near-equatorial orbit. However, a non-inclined orbit need not be referenced only to an equatorial reference plane. If the plane of reference is the ecliptic plane, they are called an ecliptic orbit. As non-inclined orbits lack nodes, the ascending node is undefined, as well as its related classical orbital elements, the longitude of the ascending node and the argument of periapsis. In these cases, alternative orbital elements or different definitions must be used to ensure an orbit is fully described. A geostationary orbit is a geosynchronous example of an equatorial orbit, non-inclined orbit that is coplanar with the equator of Earth. == See also ==