What is the approximate operational altitude range for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites?
Answer
About 500 to 2,000 kilometers above the surface
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites operate significantly closer to the Earth compared to Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites. The established range provided for LEO operation is characteristically situated between approximately 500 kilometers and 2,000 kilometers above the planet's surface. This reduced distance is the critical factor enabling lower signal latency and requiring less power for signal transmission to the ground terminals. Conversely, GEO operates at nearly 36,000 kilometers, which defines its utility for constant, wide-area coverage but introduces substantial time delays for data transmission.
Related Questions
What is the approximate operational altitude range for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites?How does LEO proximity affect signal latency compared to GEO, specifically regarding interactive applications?What physical environmental factor limits the practical lifespan of LEO craft to five to seven years?For continuous, global coverage, how many satellites are generally sufficient for a GEO Systems constellation?What complexity must LEO ground equipment employ that GEO terminals, which point to a stationary satellite, do not require?What is the approximate round-trip distance a GEO signal must travel to reach the satellite and return to the ground?Which geographic areas can LEO constellations provide reliable coverage to that GEO satellites fixed on the equator cannot serve effectively?How does the lower power requirement for LEO satellite signals benefit the spacecraft itself?What is the expected operational lifespan GEO satellites enjoy due to their calm orbital environment?How does the cost profile of LEO systems differ from GEO systems regarding investment structure?