Introduction to low orbit satellites
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are reinventing the global telecommunications landscape. reinventing the global telecommunications landscape. Operating at altitudes of less than 2000 kilometers above the earth’s surface, these satellites are becoming vital elements in providing high-speed internet access to all corners of the globe. However, how do these satellites work and what distinguishes them from traditional satellites?
What are low orbit satellites?
The orbit of a satellite is the trajectory it follows around a celestial body, in this case, the Earth. LEO satellites orbit much closer to the Earth than Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites. and geostationary orbit (GEO). While GEO satellites can be at altitudes of 36,000 kilometers, LEO satellites operate in a range between 180 and 2,000 kilometers.
At this relatively short distance, LEOs are capable of receiving and transmitting signals with a remarkably short time delay.The satellite is a very low latency satellite, offering a much lower latency compared to satellites in higher orbits. However, this proximity also means that they have a more limited field of view, requiring a larger number of satellites to cover a similar area.
How LEO satellites work
LEO satellite operation is a balance of speed and coverage. balance of speed and coverage. Given their proximity to the Earth, these satellites move at high speeds, completing one orbit around the planet in much less time than satellites in higher orbits. This rapid movement requires a network, or constellation, of LEO satellites working synchronized satellites working synchronously to ensure constant coverage.
The radio signals are transmitted to and from these satellites, enabling communication with stations on Earth.. Since they are closer to the Earth, radio signals take less time to travel, resulting in a lower latency. This reduced latency is one of the key advantages that LEO satellites have over other types of satellites.
Advantages of LEO satellites
LEO satellites have many advantages that make them ideal for telecommunications in the modern world. The main one is the aforementioned low latency. In telecommunications applications, latency is a crucial factor. Voice and video communications, for example, require low latency to maintain signal quality and synchronization. to maintain signal quality and synchronization.
Another important advantage is the ability to provide global coverage. By deploying a constellation of LEO satellites, it is possible to provide high-speed Internet services to areas of the world that have so far been difficult to reach with fiber-optic infrastructure.
In addition, LEO satellites allow for greater capacity and greater capacity and flexibility. By using a network of many smaller satellites instead of a few large satellites, operators can handle more traffic and adjust capacity as needed.
Telecommunications Applications
In the field of telecommunications, LEO satellites are showing their true potential. Companies all over the world are using these satellites to provide broadband internet services to rural and remote regions, where installing terrestrial infrastructure can be costly or technically challenging.where installing terrestrial infrastructure can be costly or technically challenging.
In addition, the global connectivity that LEOs can offer is a game changer in the effort to create a truly global Internet. to create a truly global Internet. This could have a significant impact in areas such as education, healthcare and economic development, especially in regions that have so far been underserved in terms of Internet access.
LEOs are also being used to improve communications in mobile networks. With their ability to provide coverage in areas lacking terrestrial infrastructure, these satellites are enabling mobile connectivity in remote regions and hard-to-reach areas.
Challenges and future of LEO satellites
Despite the many advantages offered by LEO satellites, there are also challenges that must be overcome to maximize their potential. One of these challenges is the orbital congestion. With thousands of LEO satellites deployed and more planned for the future, there is a risk of collisions in space, which could generate space debris that poses a threat to other satellites and the International Space Station.
In addition, due to their short and the constant need for replacement, the company’sLEO satellites represent a challenge from a sustainability perspective. The industry is working on solutions to mitigate these problems, including improved satellite tracking techniques and strategies for the safe disposal of satellites at the end of their useful life.
Looking ahead, LEO satellites are expected to play an increasingly important role in telecommunications and other fields, such as Earth observation and space research. As these challenges are overcome, the contribution of LEO satellites to a more connected and accessible world will only increase.. We are witnessing the beginning of an era in that these satellites, together with the technologies emerging technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things. (IoT), will define the way we live and work. we work.
A before and after
In conclusion, low orbit satellites are a milestone in telecommunications, offering faster and more accessible connectivity worldwide. faster and more affordable connectivity worldwide..
As the deployment of LEO satellite constellations continues, we expect to see remarkable improvements in the accessibility and quality of communications, especially in areas that have had limited access to broadband connectivity until now. In this sense, LEOs are much more than mere satellites: they are the promise of a more connected and accessible future for everyone..
María Graña, Director of Innovation and Technology at Inster-Oesia Group.