A condition that occurs when a satellite is no longer corrected in velocity along the north-south direction. A satellite operator might do so to extend the life of a satellite because fuel will only be used to perform the velocity change in the east-west direction. The inclination happens gradually over time.
A condition that occurs when a satellite is no longer station-kept in the north south plain. A satellite operator might do so to extend the life of a satellite because fuel will only be used to perform station-keeping in the east-west plain. The inclination happens gradually over time, and once it becomes excessive, the satellite is de-orbited.
An orbit that approximates the geostationary orbit but whose plane is tilted slightly with respect to the Equatorial plane, with the consequence that the satellite appears to move about its nominal position in a daily "figure-of-eight" motion when viewed from the ground. Satellites are often allowed to drift into an inclined orbit near the end of their nominal lifetime in order to conserve fuel on-board the satellite, which would otherwise be used to correct this natural drift caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon.
When maneuvering fuel runs out. Requires tracker at ground station. Traces a figure-eight pattern above and below the equator over 24 hours.
A satellite is said to occupy an inclined orbit around the Earth if the orbit exhibits an angle other than zero degrees with the equatorial plane. This angle is called the orbit's inclination.
