Low Earth orbit facts for kids
A low Earth orbit (LEO) is like a special path in space very close to Earth. It's usually described as an orbit that goes from Earth’s surface up to about 2,000 kilometers high. Satellites in LEO travel around the Earth many times each day, moving very fast!
Satellites are placed in low Earth orbit when they need to be in outer space but don't need to be super far away. Many important things happen in LEO, from watching our planet to helping us communicate.
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What is Low Earth Orbit?
A low Earth orbit is the closest type of orbit to our planet. Think of it as the "neighborhood" of space right above Earth's atmosphere.
- Altitude: LEO is generally between 160 km and 2,000 km above Earth.
- Speed: Objects in LEO travel incredibly fast, often at speeds around 27,000 km/h (17,000 mph). This speed is needed to stay in orbit and not fall back to Earth.
- Orbit Time: Because they are so close and fast, satellites in LEO can complete one full trip around Earth in about 90 minutes! This means they orbit our planet many times a day.
Why Do We Use Low Earth Orbit?
LEO is a popular place for satellites and spacecraft for several good reasons. It's a great spot for many space missions.
Closer View of Earth
Satellites that need to take pictures of Earth or study its surface often use LEO. Being closer means they can get clearer and more detailed images.
- Weather Satellites: These help us predict weather and track storms.
- Earth Resource Satellites: They monitor things like forests, oceans, and land use.
- Spy Satellites: Some satellites in LEO are used for national security and observation.
Less Powerful Rockets Needed
It takes less energy and a smaller rocket to send something to LEO compared to higher orbits. This makes launching satellites more affordable and easier.
Less Signal Delay
For communication satellites, being closer to Earth means there's less delay when sending and receiving signals. This is important for things like internet and phone calls.
Important Missions in LEO
Many famous space missions and objects are found in low Earth orbit. These include space stations and telescopes.
The International Space Station
The International Space Station (ISS) is a huge laboratory in space. It orbits Earth in LEO, about 400 km (250 miles) above us. Astronauts live and work there, doing amazing science experiments that help us learn more about space and our planet.
Space Telescopes
Most space telescopes are placed in LEO. They don't need to be super far away, just above Earth's atmosphere. Being above the atmosphere helps them get clear views of stars and galaxies without any air getting in the way.
- The famous Hubble Space Telescope is an example of a telescope that orbits in LEO.
Challenges of Low Earth Orbit
While LEO is very useful, it also has some challenges.
Space Debris
One big problem in LEO is space junk. This includes old satellites, parts of rockets, and tiny pieces of broken spacecraft. These pieces can travel very fast and pose a danger to active satellites and spacecraft. Scientists are working on ways to clean up this space debris.
Atmospheric Drag
Even though LEO is above most of Earth's atmosphere, there's still a tiny bit of air. This causes a small amount of drag, which can slowly pull satellites lower over time. Satellites in LEO sometimes need to use their engines to boost themselves back to a higher altitude.
See also
In Spanish: Órbita terrestre baja para niños
