Low Earth Orbit (LEO) refers to an orbit around Earth at an altitude ranging from approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) to 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) above the planet’s surface. This orbital region is characterized by its proximity to Earth, enabling satellites to travel at high speeds of around 28,000 kilometers per hour, completing a full orbit in about 90 minutes. Most satellites reside in this orbit, including our International Space Station, which is also located in Low Earth Orbit.
Benefits of Launching Satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Launching satellites into LEO (Low Earth Orbit) is advantageous for several reasons. It requires less energy, which in turn reduces launch costs. Reaching LEO is also technically less complex, meaning that the technology and equipment used for launching satellites here are less expensive and more accessible.
For communication and internet services, signals from LEO satellites reach Earth quickly. For instance, services like Starlink utilize LEO. Moreover, for meteorology, land use, and environmental studies, LEO satellites frequently pass over Earth’s surface, providing more accurate and frequent updates.
The popularity of small satellites, such as CubeSats and nanosatellites, has also increased the number of satellites in LEO. These satellites are very useful for educational, scientific, and commercial purposes. An additional advantage of LEO satellites is that they can easily re-enter Earth’s atmosphere at the end of their lifecycle, aiding in debris management. Furthermore, these satellites can be maneuvered easily in emergency situations or to avoid space debris.
Commercial Uses of Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) has become a hub of commercial activities, revolutionizing industries with its accessibility and unique characteristics. Positioned at an altitude between 160 km and 2,000 km above Earth’s surface, LEO allows for rapid satellite deployment, reduced costs, and efficient communication, making it an attractive orbital zone for various industries. One of the primary commercial uses of LEO is satellite-based internet services. Companies like SpaceX (Starlink), OneWeb, and Amazon (Project Kuiper) are deploying large constellations of satellites in LEO to provide high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity across the globe, especially in remote and underserved regions.
Additionally, LEO is extensively utilized for Earth observation and remote sensing. Commercial satellites in this orbit provide critical data for agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. Companies like Planet Labs and Maxar Technologies lead this sector, offering high-resolution imagery and real-time data analysis. Space tourism is another emerging commercial use of LEO. Organizations such as SpaceX and Axiom Space are pioneering efforts to send private citizens and researchers into orbit, opening up new possibilities for exploration and recreation.
Microgravity research and manufacturing are also gaining traction in LEO. The unique environment allows for advanced research in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and material science, enabling the production of high-quality products that cannot be achieved on Earth. Moreover, the development of private space stations, such as Blue Origin’s Orbital Reef, is set to expand commercial opportunities in LEO by providing platforms for research, manufacturing, and tourism.
LEO’s proximity to Earth reduces launch costs and simplifies satellite maintenance, making it a preferred orbit for deploying CubeSats and nanosatellites. These small satellites are widely used for educational, scientific, and commercial purposes. With increasing satellite deployment, sustainable practices like space debris management are also being integrated into commercial activities in LEO to ensure its long-term usability. The growing commercial uses of Low Earth Orbit highlight its critical role in advancing technology, connectivity, and innovation.
