PUBLISHER: Aviation & Defense Market Reports (A&D) | PRODUCT CODE: 1383251
PUBLISHER: Aviation & Defense Market Reports (A&D) | PRODUCT CODE: 1383251
LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) satellite orbits are two types of orbits that are important in satellite communication and other space-based applications.
Satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) are positioned in orbits ranging from about 160 kilometers (100 miles) to about 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) above the Earth's surface.
LEO satellites typically operate at altitudes less than 2,000 kilometers and travel at high speeds, completing an orbit around the Earth in 90 to 120 minutes.
Advantages: Because of their proximity to the Earth, LEO satellites have low signal latency, high data rates, and better global coverage. They are especially well-suited for applications requiring real-time communication, such as voice and video conferencing.
One disadvantage of LEO satellites is that they have a shorter coverage window because they move quickly across the sky. To provide continuous coverage, a larger constellation of satellites is required. Furthermore, due to the requirement for seamless handovers between satellites as they pass over different ground stations, the design and operation of LEO satellite networks are more complex.
MEO satellites are typically positioned in orbits ranging from 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) to 36,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) above the Earth's surface.
MEO satellites operate at higher altitudes than LEO satellites but lower altitudes than GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit) satellites. They travel at intermediate speeds and complete an orbit in several hours.
MEO satellites provide a balance between LEO and GEO satellites. They offer better coverage than GEO satellites, particularly in polar regions, and lower latency than GEO satellites. MEO satellites are commonly used for GPS, navigation, and satellite-based communication services.
MEO satellites require more complex tracking and positioning systems than GEO satellites. Their operational costs are higher because they require a greater number of satellites to provide global coverage. They do, however, require less sophisticated ground equipment than GEO satellites.