Its repeat cycle allowed for global coverage every six days, or every 83 orbits. Because of power limitations aboard the spacecraft, sensors were not run simultaneously, but were scheduled on a priority basis. Each team consisted of five to ten members and was supported by applications scientists and data processing support personnel. Each NET was also supported by the Nimbus-7 data applications system manager or an appointed representative. They determined the principal research and development requirements of each experiment.
Equatorial crossings are local noon for ascending and local midnight for descending nodes.
Spacecraft inclination is 99.1 degrees, with a maximum poleward latitude of 80.77 degrees. The orbital period is 104.16 minutes. Equator crossings on consecutive orbits are separated by 26.1 degrees longitude. The Nimbus-7 observatory provides global coverage every six days, or every 83 orbits. Spacecraft inclination is 99.1 degrees, with a maximum poleward latitude of 80.77 degrees.