One of the most challenging obstacles to overcome in satellite technology is the cost of accessing space. More expensive than the actual satellites themselves are the launch vehicles that send them into orbit. It can be highly challenging to obtain sufficient funding to sustain such an endeavor. However, some satellite technology combinations offer simplified access to space without requiring extensive financial resources or lots of human resources to make them a reality. Here are types of satellites that provide simplified access to space in various ways and provide you with an excellent starting point for your private, scientific, or commercial space missions.
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1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)Satellites
Satellites that circle the Earth at low altitudes (between 160 and 2,000 miles above sea level) are called Low Earth Orbit Satellites. Their proximity to the Earth creates many opportunities for researchers in fields as diverse as astronomy, biology, and marine biology. Low-altitude satellites are also ideal for telecommunications and weather monitoring purposes.
However, their low orbit makes them more susceptible to crashing into larger space debris or disintegrating due to atmospheric friction than their higher-altitude counterparts. The lack of high-tech materials necessary to construct a satellite makes it much cheaper to launch an LEO satellite than one from GEO. However, they require frequent replacements because of their constantly changing orbits. Fortunately, you can contact NanoAvionics for quality satellite hardware and software for all your satellite missions.
2. Geostationary Satellites
Geostationary satellites satellite technology offers simplified space access. They offer a variety of benefits and features, such as instant data speeds, local coverage, extreme reliability, and worldwide connection speed. Suppose you’re thinking about deploying geostationary satellites to enhance your organization’s satellite technology for simplified space access. In that case, it’s essential to think through some critical areas to plan their implementation correctly.
Some quick tips include looking at different vendors, designing a reliable backup system, and determining how many satellites you need to meet your network specifications.
3. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Satellites
Medium Earth Orbit satellites are also an excellent example of satellite technology combinations for simplified space access. These satellites orbit in a ring between 20,000 and 30,000 miles above the Earth’s surface and are helpful in geostationary communication satellites in relaying signals from one location to another without interruption. MEO satellites may even be beneficial for weather forecasting, television broadcasting, or military purposes.
For example, in combination with tracking dishes at ground stations, MEO weather satellites provide current conditions on our planet, such as air temperature, and how these conditions will change over time. Without satellite technology combinations like medium earth orbit satellites, it would be much more difficult for organizations to collect data about our world and send messages to Earth quickly without interruptions or delays.
4. LEO and GEO Satellite Missions Combined
GEO satellites are useful for communications and scientific research but can be costly to maintain. LEO satellites have less sophisticated technology than GEO satellites, making them cheaper to launch. The downside is that they only remain in a low-earth orbit for a short time before their orbits degrade and burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere. Recently, more satellite companies are teaming up with multiple satellites—LEO satellites and GEO satellites combined—to better use each one while also spreading out their risk.
It saves money because costs go down when launching multiple satellites at once; it also increases overall functionality by giving you greater access to space resources. For example, suppose one satellite malfunctions or falls back to Earth prematurely because of decay. In that case, another nearby satellite takes over its function until your original satellite gets a fix or replacement.
5. Multi-Planetary LEO Satellites (MPLS)
Multi-planetary LEO satellites are satellites that operate in low Earth orbit. They are easy to set up in configurations called satellite constellations. The SES/SkyTerra-One satellite system is an example of a constellation of multi-planetary LEO satellites. Satellite constellations require fewer overall launches than single large satellites. Launch volume depends on the satellite count, launch frequency, and satellite size (or mass).
Consequently, there are more frequent launches and lower costs for each satellite in a multi-planetary LEO constellation. However, the total cost could increase due to the increased number of launches. Constellation systems enable faster deployment and easier space access, making them ideal for future space exploration plans such as colonizing Mars. A key element of MPLS systems is continuous coverage, enabling high data throughputs from satellite to satellite with only a slight delay between satellites.
Conclusion
The future of private, commercial, and scientific space exploration looks promising. Low-cost launches will allow for more rapid and frequent launches that, in turn, could lead to new technologies—and a new generation of billionaires. You can contact NanoAvionics for all your satellite space mission needs. NanoAvionics make space travel an accessible luxury experience for anyone with enough cash in their bank account. It may take a few years or even decades, but it looks like space is genuinely up for grabs.