Low Earth orbit - Wikipedia
Roughly half an orbit of the International Space Station. A low Earth orbit requires the lowest amount of energy for satellite placement. It provides high bandwidth and low communication latency. Satellites and space stations in LEO are more accessible for crew and servicing.
Low Earth orbit (LEO) | Definition, Distance, & Facts | Britannica
3 days ago · Low Earth orbit (LEO), region of space where satellites orbit closest to Earth’s surface. There is no official definition of this region, but it is usually considered to be between 160 and 1,600 km (about 100 and 1,000 miles) above Earth.
What is low Earth orbit? | Space
May 30, 2022 · In very simple terms, low Earth orbit (LEO) is exactly what it sounds like: An orbit around the Earth with an altitude that lies towards the lower end of the range of possible orbits.
Observing our Planet from Low Earth Orbit - NASA
Jul 24, 2022 · Orbiting around Earth every 90 minutes at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles), the International Space Station provides a spectacular vantage point to take pictures of our planet. From this setting, crew members aboard the space station have taken more than 3.5 million photographs of Earth. These photos have added to long ...
Types of Orbits - Space Foundation
Mar 18, 2025 · There are several types of Earth orbit, and each offers certain advantages and capabilities. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) LEO is commonly used for communication and remote sensing satellite systems, as well as the International …
Low Earth orbit: Seven significant spacecraft that lie in low Earth orbit
A low Earth orbit (LEO) is an orbit in which an object revolves around the Earth at an altitude that is toward the lower end of the range of possible orbits. LEO is where the International...
NASA Finalizes Strategy for Sustaining Human Presence in Low Earth Orbit
Dec 16, 2024 · Developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders, NASA’s Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy will guide the agency toward the next generation of continuous human presence in orbit, enable greater economic growth, and maintain international partnerships.
Low Earth Orbit Economy - NASA
Mar 5, 2025 · Read through frequently asked questions about the low Earth orbit economy, commercial space stations, private astronaut missions, and collaborations with NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program.
What Is Low Earth Orbit? A Basic Explainer - ExtremeTech
Jan 12, 2025 · More objects are being launched into space than ever, and most are headed for low Earth orbit. This region of space has become increasingly crowded with launches from SpaceX and others that...
Commercial Space Flights to Low Earth Orbit - Stellar Frontiers
Enter low earth orbit aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. This fully autonomous, 4-passenger craft orbits the earth every 90 minutes and features Draco thrusters allowing for orbital manoeuvring, thus permitting a customised flight route.