What capability do polar orbiting satellites lack due to their orbit?

Polar orbiting satellites travel in an orbit that passes over the Earth's poles, allowing them to cover the entire surface of the planet over time as the Earth rotates beneath them. While they can provide high-resolution imaging, monitor weather patterns, and collect data, they do not have the capability to achieve comprehensive single-instance coverage of the Earth. This is because a polar orbiting satellite views only a narrow swath of the Earth’s surface at any given time, and it can take several passes over the same area before the entire globe is covered. In contrast, geostationary satellites remain fixed over one spot, providing continuous coverage. Therefore, while polar orbiters are valuable for certain applications, their orbital characteristics limit their ability to capture a comprehensive snapshot of the entire Earth at once.