What typically accounts for the difference between initial baseline deployment numbers and the final, fully operational LEO constellation size?

Answer

Accounting for in-orbit spares and the necessary distribution across multiple orbital planes.

Final constellation figures often exceed initial baseline deployments because they must incorporate necessary in-orbit spares and ensure sufficient distribution across numerous orbital planes to guarantee continuous coverage.

What typically accounts for the difference between initial baseline deployment numbers and the final, fully operational LEO constellation size?
orbitsatellitesconstellationLEOglobal coverage