Right Ascension of the Ascending Node (Ω)

Right ascension of the ascending node (RAAN) is the angle measured between the I-direction (Vernal Equinox direction) and the ascending node, or the point where a satellite crosses the equator moving upward from south to north.

Due to Earth’s eastward rotation, the start of subsequent ground tracks typically appear to be shifted westward. That is why the ground tracks are not continuous.