Definition

LEO, or Low Earth Orbit, refers to the region of space between about 160 kilometers (100 miles) and 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) above Earth’s surface. Satellites in Low Earth Orbit orbit the planet at high speeds and complete multiple revolutions per day.

Usage

In the drone industry, Low Earth Orbit satellites provide communication, navigation, and Earth observation services. Unlike higher orbits, LEO enables low-latency connections that are crucial for real-time drone control, BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, and data streaming. LEO-based networks, like Starlink and OneWeb, increasingly support drones in remote or underserved areas.

Relevance to the Industry

Low Earth Orbit satellites are transforming drone operations by making high-speed internet and precise positioning accessible worldwide. This is especially important in regions without reliable ground-based infrastructure. For example, drones in disaster response, offshore inspections, and rural deliveries benefit directly from LEO connectivity. The industry views Low Earth Orbit constellations as essential for scaling global drone services.

How Does LEO (Low Earth Orbit) Work?

• Orbital Path: Satellites travel close to Earth, circling it every 90 to 120 minutes.

• Coverage: Constellations of satellites overlap to provide continuous global coverage.

• Communication: Drones connect to ground stations via satellites, with reduced signal delay compared to geostationary satellites.

• Applications: Internet services, remote drone piloting, GNSS augmentation, and environmental monitoring.

Example in Use

A drone deployed for wildfire monitoring in a remote forest streams live video through a LEO satellite network. Firefighters use the near real-time footage to track the fire’s spread and adjust containment strategies immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About LEO (Low Earth Orbit)

Why is LEO important for drones?
Because Low Earth Orbit provides low-latency communication, drones can safely operate BVLOS and share real-time data across large areas.

How does LEO differ from GEO satellites?
Low Earth Orbit satellites orbit much closer to Earth, resulting in faster connections, but they require large constellations for global coverage.

Are LEO networks already used by drones?
Yes. Some operators integrate Low Earth Orbit-based internet services like Starlink for live video streaming and mission-critical communication.