LEO Satellite: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Matter

When you see a string of bright dots moving across the night sky, you’re probably watching a LEO satellite, a satellite orbiting Earth at altitudes between 160 and 2,000 kilometers. Also known as a low Earth orbit satellite, it’s the workhorse of today’s space economy—delivering internet, tracking weather, and enabling global communications in real time. Unlike satellites that orbit far out in space, LEO satellites are close enough to send data fast and capture sharp images of our planet. That’s why companies like SpaceX, Amazon, and OneWeb are launching tens of thousands of them—to build networks that can reach every corner of the globe.

These satellites don’t work alone. They fly in massive constellations, groups of satellites working together to provide continuous coverage. Think of them like a relay team passing a baton—when one satellite moves out of view, another takes over. This setup keeps your video call from dropping and lets your phone get internet even in remote areas. But it’s not just about connectivity. LEO satellites are also used for Earth observation, helping farmers monitor crops, emergency teams track wildfires, and scientists study climate change. The rise of these satellites has also brought new challenges: more space debris, potential collisions, and satellites falling back to Earth—something we’ve seen with recent satellite reentry, when a satellite burns up or crashes after its mission ends.

What makes LEO satellites so different from older space tech? Speed and cost. They’re smaller, cheaper to build, and launch in batches on rockets like SpaceX’s Falcon 9. That’s why you can now spot a Starlink, a specific type of LEO satellite network operated by SpaceX with the naked eye on a clear night. They’re not just science projects—they’re part of daily life. And as more countries and companies join the race, the sky is getting crowded. Some worry about light pollution and interference with astronomy. Others see opportunity: faster internet, better disaster response, and new ways to monitor our planet.

What you’ll find in this collection are real, practical stories about how LEO satellites are shaping the world—from how you get your internet to why some fall from the sky. You’ll read about visibility, safety, tech behind the scenes, and what’s coming next. No fluff. Just what you need to understand the satellites flying overhead—and why they matter more than you think.