Satellites must be precisely positioned in their designated orbit after launch to ensure they function as intended. The orbits closest to Earth, known as Earth orbits, are home to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. These LEO satellites play a vital role in various industries, including emergency response, telecommunications, and space exploration, with each LEO satellite serving a unique purpose in these sectors.
What is a LEO Satellite?
A LEO satellite, or Low Earth Orbit satellite, is typically positioned between 500 and 2,000 km above Earth. These satellites have a limited Field of View (FoV), meaning a high number of LEO satellites are required to provide complete Earth coverage. Unlike Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites, which remain stationary, LEO satellites maintain an orbital velocity of 7.3 km/s at an altitude of around 1,000 km.
To ensure continuous communication, multiple ground antennas — usually two or three — are necessary for handover and tracking. However, due to the lower gain requirements, these antennas are smaller than those used for GEO satellites, with a maximum diameter of 2.4 m. LEO satellites can utilise both Ku and Ka frequency bands.
For comparison, most aeroplanes fly at altitudes no higher than 14 km, roughly ten times lower than the altitude of the closest LEO satellite. LEO satellites also follow non-geostationary orbits, allowing for more flexible orbital paths due to their ability to tilt their orbital planes, providing additional coverage options.
LEO Satellite Applications: Demands and Responsibilities
The rise of CubeSats over the past two decades has transformed the space industry, driving significant growth across the market. This wave of commercialisation has sharply increased demand for LEO satellite applications.
As mentioned above, a LEO satellite operates between 200 and 2,000 km from Earth’s surface. In contrast, traditional communication satellites are positioned much higher, in geostationary orbit, at approximately 36,500 km. Due to their smaller size and lower altitude, LEO satellites have prompted a shift in thinking, emphasising scalability, performance, and cost-efficiency. Experts note the importance of rapid deployment, meeting mission objectives, and replenishing constellations as needed.
Their compact design allows LEO satellites to perform tasks that conventional, larger satellites cannot. This makes them ideal for a range of industrial applications, including:
- Communication
- Earth observation
- Logistics and geo-location
- Signal monitoring
- Scientific missions
Efficient communication with Earth-based stations is critical. LEO satellites are well-suited for various communication uses, particularly in data transmission, remote sensing, and support for human spaceflight.
LEO Satellite Uses
Geostationary satellites (GEO) have delivered global connectivity for decades, reaching even the most remote and rural regions. However, innovations like LEO satellites are redefining the industry by offering lower latency, greater flexibility, and broader application potential. LEO satellites support a wide range of applications, including:
- Communications: Some communication systems, such as Iridium satellite phones, rely on LEO satellite constellations to deliver global connectivity.
- Earth observation: Earth-monitoring satellites use LEO orbits for clearer surface imaging and efficient traversal across the planet.
- Human spaceflight: The International Space Station (ISS), located in LEO between 320 and 400 km, is even visible from Earth without a telescope.
What Are The Opportunities Available For Mobile Service Providers?
In today’s cloud-based, data-driven world, the demand for moving vast amounts of information securely and efficiently across the globe is rapidly growing. LEO satellites are increasingly being used to meet this need by enhancing global data services.
Key opportunities for mobile service providers include:
- Expanding coverage and market reach: Growth strategies are centred on extending coverage and increasing the addressable market size.
- Introducing new services: Providers are continually launching new offerings to drive revenue and raise average usage per subscriber.
- Developing incremental services: LEO satellite networks support the creation of additional services without the need for major infrastructure upgrades.
Applications of LEO satellites
LEO satellite technology is widely used in mobile communications. Commercial enterprises, government agencies, defence forces, and individuals operating beyond the reach of ground-based network infrastructure all benefit from LEO satellite applications.
- Remote Industrial Operations
LEO satellites deliver reliable connectivity in areas with limited or no terrestrial infrastructure. Industries such as oil and gas, mining, and forestry use LEO satellite services for internet access, voice communication, and equipment tracking and monitoring. - Defence and Government Use
LEO satellite networks can be deployed rapidly to provide coverage where cellular networks fall short. Mobile satellite services are often used by government and defence personnel for secure voice and data communication, including high-speed connectivity via portable terminals. - Emergency Response
During natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes, terrestrial networks may be unavailable. LEO satellite services provide essential communication links for disaster response teams, enabling coordination of rescue and recovery efforts when other options are down. - Recreational Users
Adventurers — whether sailing, hiking, or exploring remote locations — rely on LEO satellites for communication, tracking, and emergency alerts. These systems offer vital voice and data services, even in areas far beyond cellular range.
Advantages and disadvantages of LEO satellites
The low altitude of a LEO satellite offers several advantages for imaging and communication. Because signals travel a shorter distance, they require less power and experience reduced latency. This makes LEO satellites ideal for real-time data transmission.
Their proximity to Earth also allows imaging satellites to capture more detailed, high-resolution images. LEO satellites are relatively easy and cost-effective to manufacture, making them well-suited to experimental missions or small-scale data collection.
However, LEO satellites also come with limitations. The growing number of launches has increased the risk of space debris, prompting agencies to install protective shielding. These satellites also experience atmospheric drag, which can shorten their operational lifespan. In general, a LEO satellite has a significantly shorter life expectancy than one in geostationary orbit.
LEO satellites are transforming the landscape of communication, data collection, and space exploration. Their ability to provide low-latency services, high-resolution imaging, and cost-effective solutions makes them invaluable for industries ranging from defence to telecommunications. However, challenges such as space debris and shorter lifespans must be carefully managed as the technology continues to evolve. As demand for satellite services grows, LEO satellites will remain at the forefront, driving innovation and expanding the possibilities of space-based technologies.
Find out how Dragonfly’s advanced satellites power these solutions.