What figure approximates the bare minimum LEO satellites needed at an altitude of 1,000 kilometers?

Answer

48 satellites

Mathematical models derived for determining the requirements for continuous, minimal communication coverage within the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) regime at an altitude near 1,000 kilometers often converge on a figure of 48 satellites as the bare minimum needed for a specific deployment configuration. This number reflects the significant challenge posed by the rapidly moving satellites and their comparatively small field of view relative to the ground. Because these satellites move quickly across the sky, a large constellation is necessary to ensure that as one satellite drops below the horizon, another is already in position to maintain visibility to any specific point on the globe without interruption. This contrasts sharply with high-altitude orbits where fewer units suffice due to their extensive line of sight.

What figure approximates the bare minimum LEO satellites needed at an altitude of 1,000 kilometers?

Related Questions

What is the widely cited minimum number for continuous Earth coverage using geostationary satellites?What figure approximates the bare minimum LEO satellites needed at an altitude of 1,000 kilometers?Which orbital regime demands massive quantity for minimum delay, contrasting with GEO's few units?Roughly what percentage of the Earth's surface can a single satellite in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) observe ideally?What is the single most important factor determining the required quantity of satellites for coverage?Why do LEO constellations require orders of magnitude more satellites than a GEO system?For practical GEO systems avoiding obstructions, what number of satellites is often proposed beyond the absolute minimum?What significant trade-off is associated with the low count of satellites used in Geostationary Orbit (GEO)?If 48 satellites is the bare minimum for continuous LEO coverage at 1,000 km, what number suggests wider coverage or redundancy at that altitude?What requirement causes the satellite count to swell dramatically, contrasting with the small number needed for coverage sometime during 24 hours?
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