LEOsystemen

LEOsystemen, or low Earth orbit systems, refer to networks of satellites operating in low Earth orbit, typically at altitudes from about 160 to 2,000 kilometers above the Earth's surface. They are distinguished from medium Earth orbit and geostationary orbit systems by their proximity to Earth, which enables lower latency and high-resolution sensing but requires more satellites to achieve continuous coverage due to rapid orbital motion.

LEOsystemen are used for a range of applications, including telecommunications, Earth observation, science missions and military reconnaissance. In communications, constellations of small satellites can deliver broadband services to broad areas, while Earth observation satellites provide high-resolution imagery and sensors for weather, environmental monitoring and mapping. Scientific missions in LEO include space telescopes and experiments conducted above the atmosphere.

Technical characteristics include relatively short orbital periods, brief visibility windows from ground stations, and the need for frequent launches and end-of-life deorbiting or disposal maneuvers. To achieve near-global coverage, many operators deploy large constellations in multiple orbital planes, sometimes with cross-linked, near-polar orbits or sun-synchronous orbits.

Challenges facing LEO systems include space debris and collision risk, atmospheric drag that gradually lowers altitude for lower orbits, radiation exposure to onboard electronics, and regulatory issues related to spectrum use and orbital rights. Ongoing developments aim to improve propulsion, on-orbit servicing, debris mitigation, laser cross-links between satellites, and sustainable end-of-life plans.