What is a LEO satellite?

• A. A satellite in low earth orbit
• B. A satellite that operates at high frequencies
• C. A satellite designed for geostationary purposes
• D. A satellite that covers polar regions

Answer: (A)

A LEO satellite, or Low Earth Orbit satellite, is one that orbits the Earth at altitudes typically ranging from about 160 kilometers (100 miles) to 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles). This allows for shorter communication times and lower latency compared to satellites positioned in higher orbits. LEO satellites are particularly useful for applications such as Earth observation, satellite internet, and remote sensing because they can capture high-resolution images and provide broader coverage over a smaller area of the Earth's surface.

The characteristics that distinguish LEO satellites from others include their relatively rapid orbital speeds, which generally result in them completing an orbit around the Earth every 90 to 120 minutes. This also means that LEO satellites frequently pass over different areas of the Earth, allowing for frequent communication opportunities.

In contrast, satellites designed for geostationary purposes are positioned much higher, approximately 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above the Earth's equator, allowing them to remain fixed over a specific point on the surface. This is beneficial for constant communication with a specific region but comes with the trade-off of higher latency due to the increased distance. The option regarding satellites that operate at high frequencies does not pertain to the altitude of an orbit;