A low Earth orbit (LEO) is an orbit around Earth with a period of 128 minutes or less (making at least 11.25 orbits per day) and an eccentricity less than 0.25. [1]

Dec 21, 2024 · 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.

A visualization of satellites, debris, and other objects tracked by LeoLabs in low earth orbit

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.

Apr 7, 2024 · What is LEO (low Earth orbit)? Low Earth orbit (LEO) encompasses Earth-centered orbits with an altitude of 1,200 miles (2,000 km) or less. This orbit is considered near enough to Earth for convenient transportation, communication, observation, and resupply.

Jan 6, 2017 · For over 70 years, Low-Earth Orbit has been the playground of human space capability. On occasion, we have ventured beyond the playground and farther out into the Solar System (and even...

Jan 12, 2025 · An object is said to be in low Earth orbit if it completes a revolution every 128 minutes or less. A 128-minute orbit, according to Kepler's third law, works out to a semi-major axis of 8,413...

Dec 18, 2024 · There are three major types of geocentric orbits: low-Earth orbit (LEO), medium-Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary orbit. Low-Earth orbit exists between 160 kilometers (100 miles) and 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) above Earth's surface.

Mar 30, 2020 · A low Earth orbit (LEO) is, as the name suggests, an orbit that is relatively close to Earth’s surface. LEO is considered to be under altitudes of 2000 km, this upper limit a consequence of the Van Allen belts above and the harsh environment they create.

May 18, 2017 · Based on the distance from Earth, the types of orbits are classified into low earth orbit, medium earth orbit, the geostationary orbit, and high earth orbit. Each of these orbits serves specific applications concerning coverage area, cost, and purpose.