Low Earth orbit

Low Earth orbit (LEO) is the orbital region around the Earth defined by altitudes typically ranging from approximately 160 km to 2,000 km above the surface. Objects maintained in this orbital band are continuously falling around the planet, thereby achieving a state of dynamic equilibrium where the necessary centripetal force is provided by the orbital velocity. Due to the relatively low altitude, objects in LEO experience significant orbital decay over time, requiring periodic adjustments to maintain station-keeping. This region is crucial for remote sensing, satellite communication, and ground observation platforms, as the reduced latency and altitude allow for high-resolution data collection and reliable transmission links with terrestrial receivers.