Each orbit takes 90 minutes, which is 1.5 hours.

Sat, 02 May 2026 15:47:19 +0000

Understanding the 90-Minute Orbital Cycle: Why Space Orbits Last an Hour and a Half When it comes to satellites circling Earth, one key fact stands out: each full orbit takes precisely 90 minutes—equivalent to 1.5 hours. This precise timing plays a vital role in satellite operations, Earth observation, and space exploration. But what exactly causes a satellite to complete an orbit every 90 minutes, and why is that duration significant in space science? Let’s explore. ### The Science Behind the 90-Minute Orbit An orbit’s duration depends primarily on the altitude and speed of the object orbiting Earth. The 90-minute cycle comes from a balance between gravitational pull and centripetal force, governed by Isaac Newton’s laws and reinforced by Kepler’s orbital mechanics.