Satellites actually do fly over the Earth's polar regions, but they do so utilizing specialized polar or near-polar orbits rather than equatorial paths. Satellites placed in equatorial or low-inclination orbits remain positioned over lower latitudes and cannot directly view or pass above the extreme northern and southern poles due to orbital mechanics. Conversely, weather observation, reconnaissance, and scientific satellites specifically require polar orbits, allowing the rotating planet to spin underneath them so that the spacecraft can eventually observe every square inch of the globe over time.