What We’re For
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are a vital technology for:
- Delivering fast broadband connectivity to everyone, everywhere
- Connecting previously unserved and underserved areas, including places that other technologies may never reach for economic or geographic reasons, to bridge the digital divide
- Increasing choice for consumers in the broadband market
LEO technologies also promote strong environmental stewardship for the long-term use of space. The LEO community supports innovative best practices that include:
- Equipping all satellites with capabilities to maneuver
- Sharing orbital location data and projections
- Ensuring trackability of all satellites to avoid potential collisions
Overall, our strategic priorities include:
Educating policymakers and regulators on LEO broadband capabilities
Building support for LEO constellation development
Advocating for long-term, sustainable use of space and corresponding best practices and mitigation measures
BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
The digital divide is unacceptable. Approximately 2.6 billion people around the world lack reliable access to broadband, including more than 24 million Americans (nearly 7 percent of the population). Many of these people live and work in areas where it is not geographically, demographically or economically feasible to extend existing terrestrial technologies. The digital divide has ripple effects beyond the specific communities that lack connection. For example, insufficient connectivity in rural and agricultural areas limits the spread of precision farming, which has the potential to significantly reduce food insecurity.
LEO technologies are an integral part of a comprehensive strategy to bridge the digital divide. By injecting more connection and opportunity into rural communities and other underserved areas, LEO satellites will unlock a cascade of economic growth and development benefits.
LEO satellites also save lives by providing increased reliability and reduced downtime during emergencies when other systems fail. During natural disasters and other crises, LEO satellites can help first responders and communities stay connected and safe. They also provide a communications safety net during wilderness recreation or travel to remote areas.
EXPANDING CHOICE AND
COMPETITION
LEO technologies will benefit consumers by expanding choice and competition in the broadband market. Broadband customers who are currently forced to choose from limited, unreliable or costly options will have the opportunity to choose better and more affordable service. And due to increased competition, even consumers who already have access to broadband technologies (such as fiber, fixed wireless or satellite) will be better positioned to compare prices, demand better service or build bundles of services that best serve their individual needs.
As costs of satellite production and launches continue to scale, LEO broadband will be an increasingly affordable option for homes, schools and businesses of all industries — unlocking a cascade of socioeconomic growth and development. LEO technologies can serve a wide range of customers, such as hospitals, farms, schools, mobile businesses and first responders, where flexibility and resiliency are paramount.
The positive impact will ripple beyond the newly connected regions, increasing internet speed and lowering prices by injecting competition into use cases where customers’ connectivity options have been limited, such as in-flight internet access on both commercial and government aircraft and for military personnel and maritime passengers aboard cruise ships.
DRIVING INNOVATION AND JOBS
LEO satellite production and deployment is a force multiplier for other industries across the global economy. Space-related manufacturing and production, from ground infrastructure to satellites to customer terminals, will drive innovation and jobs at home and abroad.
Additionally, LEO satellites provide new opportunities to solve the threat of global food insecurity. Allowing farmers to use LEO technology for precision agriculture will help in monitoring livestock, updating buildings and equipment and leveraging autonomous machinery to increase global crop yields. And LEO satellites’ ability to monitor environmental data in real-time, forecast weather and manage disasters will facilitate new industries to help scientists better understand the effects of global climate change.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND SPACE SAFETY
LEO satellite technologies are helping to create a thriving space economy. Launch companies are scaling to support the increased launch needs. Space satellite tracking, AI-driven traffic management and other capabilities are springing up to help support and maintain space safety and sustainability. These market-based solutions are driving investment, innovation and security — all things that will ensure long-term use of space as an economic engine to improve our lives.
The LEO satellite industry is committed and grounded in maintaining the long-term use of space through sustainability and strong stewardship of the environment, both on Earth and in space. LEO satellite communications providers are raising the bar and pioneering new practices to limit reflectivity and prevent collisions. The safety of these systems is of key importance, and providers such as Slingshot, Kayhan Space and LeoLabs are providing capabilities to track and monitor the activity of LEO satellites.
The LEO industry is committed to ensuring the responsible use of space and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance the benefits of the growing space economy and ensure the important work done in space delivers reliable, sustainable connectivity benefits here on Earth.
LEOs At Work
