Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is a region of space located at a distance of approximately 160 km to 2,000 km from the surface of World. This region is a critical area for space research and communication like modern space missions. Due to its proximity to Earth, LEO enables satellites to establish and maintain their orbits more efficiently and operate with greater effectiveness.

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Characteristics of Low Earth Orbit

Because LEO is located at a relatively close distance to Earth’s surface, satellites in this orbit have shorter orbital periods. Satellites in LEO complete one full orbit around Earth in approximately 90 minute. This characteristic makes LEO ideal for applications such as low-latency communication, global internet services, and high-speed data transmission. Although satellites in LEO have relatively shorter lifespans due to atmospheric effects, they remain highly efficient for space missions.

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_{Fergani Space’s FGN-100-d1 was launched into space on 14 January 2025 and entered low Earth orbit. (Anadolu Ajansı)} 

Low Earth Orbit Satellites

Advantages

Satellites in LEO offer several key advantages. First, they provide low latency, enabling faster data transmission in communications. This is critically important for internet service providers. LEO satellites can also be launched at lower cost and are easier to maintain. Due to their proximity to Earth, launching satellites into LEO is more economical. In addition, LEO is a suitable region for human space missions such as space stations. For example, the International Space Station (ISS) operates in LEO because this orbit is ideal for efficient astronaut operations and space research.

Application Areas

Low Earth Orbit provides an optimal environment for satellites used in various applications. Communication satellites in LEO play a vital role in providing global internet connectivity. Projects such as Starlink and OneWeb utilize LEO satellites to deliver internet access worldwide. Additionally, LEO satellites are used for Earth observation; they are essential for weather monitoring, tracking environmental changes, and disaster management. LEO satellites also play a significant role in global navigation systems (GPS) by providing positioning and timing services that support navigation across the globe.

Challenges

Low Earth Orbit presents certain challenges for satellites. Orbital decay is one of the major issues in LEO. Satellites in LEO are close to the thin upper layers of the atmosphere, which gradually cause them to lose altitude, shortening their operational lifespan. Space debris is another significant concern. LEO is becoming increasingly crowded, and the growing amount of space debris poses a risk to operational satellites. Therefore, developing technologies such as debris management systems and satellite propulsion systems is essential to ensure the safe operation of LEO satellites.

The Future of Low Earth Orbit Satellites

Low Earth Orbit satellites will continue to play a critical role in the future of space research and global communications. LEO satellite constellations (groups of satellites) are rapidly expanding to provide global internet access. Projects such as Starlink and OneWeb are leading initiatives in this field. As the number of satellites in LEO increases, the development of new technologies such as space debris management and satellite propulsion systems becomes increasingly important. LEO satellites will not only remain vital in communication and navigation fields but will also hold a significant place in scientific research and planet exploration.