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high-speed networks rely on the lowest possible latency for their effective use. Lower orbits reduce this delay and make their use practical. The lower orbits also increase coverage. GEO satellites communicate over line of sight and can therefore only transmit to the locations on the surface that can see them. Despite their lower altitude, LEO constellations, comprising hundreds of individual satellites, offer significantly broader coverage. Orbital mathematics dictate that any point on the surface is within the coverage of multiple LEO satellites, ensuring uninterrupted service. Operators can gain enormous benefits from deploying satellites at lower altitudes. Recent advances and the growing commercialization of space have reduced launch costs. While sending objects into space remains costly, launching to GEO is significantly more expensive than to LEO. This has coincided with the growing capabilities of microelectronics. Designers are building satellites smaller and more capable than ever. Not only does this reduce the cost of manufacture, but a lighter and smaller object is cheaper to launch. The lower orbit also protects objects from a significant proportion of the solar and cosmic radiation experienced by GEO satellites. Designers can therefore employ commercial- and industrial-grade components, as the reduced exposure reduces the need for radiation mitigation strategies. Manufacturers are adopting the latest high-efficiency solar panels and radiation-tolerant chipsets to maximize performance while minimizing form factors. Expanding Bandwidth The capabilities of any network depend on its bandwidth. The newest generation of SATCOM systems use Ka and Ku bands to offer multi-gigabit-per-second service. These bands are within the microwave C h a p t e r 2 | T h e L a t e s t Tr e n d s i n S AT C O M One advantage of an LEO satellite is its limited view of the Earth, which allows for the use of many smaller spot beams within its coverage area, enhancing capacity through frequency reuse." Ryan Jennings Director of SATCOM and Systems Engineering, Qorvo 11 Engineering the Future of Satellite Communications