Low Earth orbit

What is a Low Earth Orbit?

A low Earth orbit (LEO) is a special path that objects take when they fly around our planet, Earth. These paths are not too far from Earth, so satellites and space stations can visit them easily. An orbit in LEO can finish a circle around Earth in just 128 minutes or less. That means a satellite can go around Earth more than eleven times in one day!

Where is Low Earth Orbit?

Most human-made things in outer space, like communication satellites and old pieces of space junk, are in LEO. These objects usually float at an altitude of about 800 kilometers above Earth, though some go up to 2,000 kilometers. The International Space Station, where astronauts live and work, is also in a low Earth orbit at about 400 km.

Why Do We Use Low Earth Orbit?

Low Earth orbits are very useful. Satellites in LEO can send information quickly and clearly. They help us connect to the internet, watch weather, and make maps. Because these satellites are close to Earth, they can give us fast updates. Some well-known satellites and space stations in LEO include the International Space Station and the Hubble Space Telescope. Others, like Starlink, help us use the internet from anywhere on Earth.

Keeping Space Safe

The area around Earth called low Earth orbit is getting crowded with pieces of old satellites and other objects. This is called space debris. Even tiny pieces can move very fast and cause problems for satellites and spacecraft. That’s why scientists and space agencies, like NASA, watch over these pieces to keep everyone safe in space.