LEO versus GEO Satcom for Aircraft Fleet

This white paper discusses the differences between Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) satellite communication systems for aircraft fleets. It begins with a brief history of satellite communications, highlighting key milestones such as the launch of Telstar and the development of various satellite constellations. The paper outlines the operational characteristics of GEO satellites, which are positioned at approximately 36,000 km above the Earth, providing consistent coverage but limited global reach, particularly in polar regions. It details the advantages of GEO systems, including high broadband data throughput, while also addressing their limitations, such as high operational costs and the need for large antennas. Conversely, LEO satellites, located closer to Earth, offer lower latency and true global coverage, making them suitable for various aviation applications. The paper concludes with considerations for selecting the appropriate satellite communication network based on specific mission requirements.