What is a LEO satellite?

A LEO satellite refers to a satellite that is positioned in a Low Earth Orbit, typically at altitudes ranging from approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) to 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) above the Earth's surface. This type of orbit allows satellites to travel at high speeds, usually completing one orbit around the Earth in about 90 minutes.

Low Earth Orbit is attractive for several applications, including communication, Earth observation, and scientific research, as it allows for reduced latency in communication signals and the ability to capture high-resolution images of the Earth. Additionally, launching satellites into LEO generally requires less energy compared to higher orbits, making it a popular choice for many satellite missions.

Other options, such as a sun-synchronous satellite or a highly elliptical orbit satellite, refer to specific orbital characteristics that are not exclusive to LEO satellites. The reference to a satellite in low energy operation mode does not pertain to the orbital classification but rather to the operational status of the satellite. Therefore, the definition of a LEO satellite specifically corresponds to the criterion of being in low Earth orbit.