Which orbit allows a satellite to photograph the entire surface of the Earth?

To photograph the entire surface of the Earth, a satellite must be able to pass over every area of the planet as the Earth rotates. A polar orbit accomplishes this by traveling over the North and South Poles, allowing the satellite to cover each latitude line as the Earth turns beneath it. This means that over time, the satellite can observe and capture images of the entire surface of the Earth.

In contrast, a geostationary orbit is positioned above the equator, maintaining a fixed point relative to the Earth's surface. This orbit only allows for continuous observation of a specific region, limiting its coverage area. An elliptical orbit can vary in its distance from the Earth and may not necessarily provide complete coverage, depending on its configuration. An inclined orbit, while not specialized for complete planetary coverage, moves in a tilted path relative to the equator but does not guarantee that the satellite will observe all areas of the Earth over time.

Thus, the polar orbit is optimal for achieving comprehensive photographic coverage of the Earth's entire surface.