
low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are spacecraft that orbit the Earth at altitudes between about 100 to 1,200 miles (160 to 2,000 kilometers). They are used for various purposes, including telecommunications, Earth observation, and scientific research. Because they are relatively close to the planet, LEO satellites can transmit data with lower latency and higher resolution than satellites in higher orbits. Their orbital speeds allow them to circle the Earth multiple times a day, making them effective for real-time applications such as weather monitoring and global internet coverage. LEO satellites are a key component of modern satellite networks.