What is low Earth orbit?
Quick Answer
Low Earth orbit, or LEO, is the region of space close to Earth, usually up to about 2,000 kilometers above the surface. Satellites there circle the planet quickly and are easier to reach.
The Full Story
Low Earth orbit is the band of space surrounding Earth from the upper atmosphere out to roughly 2,000 kilometers altitude. Objects in LEO include the International Space Station, many Earth-observing satellites, and numerous communication and imaging satellites. Because spacecraft in LEO are relatively close to Earth, signals travel faster and launches require less energy than missions to higher orbits. However, LEO also contains much of the space debris that poses collision risks to satellites and crewed missions.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"The busiest neighborhood in space"
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