Bench Talk

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Today, global communication is becoming more pertinent—and possible—than ever before. Emerging communications technologies are helping people get connected all over the world, with even the most remote areas gaining access to high-speed internet. These advancements represent the promise of satellite internet, a revolutionary approach to global connectivity using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. From enhancing communication in disaster zones to bridging the digital divide, this technology is set to transform how we access the internet, making it more affordable and accessible for everyone, from electrical engineers to everyday consumers.

The Evolution of Satellite Communication

Since the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, satellites have been integral to our communication systems. Initially, satellites like Telstar 1, launched in 1962, provided limited communication capabilities.^[1] However, advancements led to the development of geostationary (GEO) satellites, which orbit at 22,236 miles above the equator, providing continuous coverage over specific areas. Despite their benefits, GEO satellites are costly and have high latency due to their distance from Earth.

The Rise of LEO Satellites

LEO satellites, orbiting between 100 to 1,200 miles above Earth, offer a compelling alternative. These satellites are less expensive to build and launch, costing around $500,000 each compared to the $400 million for GEO satellites.^[2] They also have significantly lower latency, around 40ms, making them more suitable for real-time internet applications.

One of the most notable LEO satellite constellations is Starlink,^[3] which aims to deploy up to 42,000 satellites.^[4] Other major players include China's Thousand Sails and Amazon's Project Kuiper, each planning to launch thousands of satellites to enhance global connectivity.^[5], ^[6]

Technical Innovations and Benefits

It should be no surprise to see such investment in LEO satellites, considering they bring several technical advancements in addition to their cost benefits. These satellites operate under the protection of the Van Allen belts, reducing the need for heavy shielding (Figure 1). By reducing this added protection requirement, LEO satellites can be made lighter and cheaper. Additionally, they use advanced technologies like laser-based inter-satellite communication, which can transfer data at up to 200Gbps, reducing the reliance on ground stations.

Figure 1: LEO satellites benefit from the protection of the Van Allen belts against solar storms, reducing the need for heavy shielding. (Source: alones/stock.adobe.com)

Regenerative communication technology allows these satellites to process signals more efficiently, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and reducing the complexity of ground infrastructure. Furthermore, LEO satellites are being integrated with 5G networks, creating 5G non-terrestrial networks (5G-NTN). This integration can bring mobile communications, IoT sensors, and machine-to-machine connections to remote areas, boosting local economies and improving quality of life. In disaster scenarios, LEO constellations can temporarily replace damaged terrestrial networks, ensuring continuous communication and enhancing safety outcomes.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While LEO satellites offer numerous benefits, they also present challenges. Managing the increasing number of satellites to avoid collisions and ensuring sustainable use of orbital space are critical issues. Additionally, coordinating the hand-offs between satellites as they move across the sky requires sophisticated technology.

Despite these challenges, the potential of LEO satellites to provide affordable, high-speed internet to underserved areas is immense. They can support emergency services during disasters, enable economic growth in remote communities, and enhance global communication infrastructure.

Conclusion

Satellite internet represents a significant leap forward in global connectivity. By leveraging the advantages of LEO satellites, we can bring high-speed internet to every corner of the globe, bridging the digital divide and fostering economic and social development. As we continue to innovate and address the challenges posed by LEO satellites, the dream of universal internet access becomes increasingly attainable.

For a deeper dive into this topic, read the full article here.

This blog was generated with assistance from Copilot for Microsoft 365.

Sources

[1] https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/communications-satellite-telstar/nasm_A20070113000
[2] https://www.te.com/en/industries/aerospace/insights/cots-components-in-leo-satellites.html
[3] https://satellitemap.space/
[4] https://www.the-independent.com/tech/elon-musk-satellites-starlink-spacex-b2606262.html
[5] https://phys.org/news/2024-10-china-thousand-starlink-latest-mega.html
[6] https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/innovation-at-amazon/what-is-amazon-project-kuiper