In the 21st century, we treat connectivity as a convenience, and it stands at the forefront of modern economies, societies, and security systems. Yet, billions of people still live in areas with unreliable or no internet access like remote islands, rural communities, ships at sea and others which often fall into “digital blind spots” where terrestrial networks cannot reach.

Satellite connectivity is changing that. By orbiting high above Earth, satellites provide coverage to regions where other means like cables, towers, or fiber optics are impractical or impossible to use, transforming not only personal communications but also reaching industries such as agriculture, transportation, disaster management, and national defense.

How does satellite connectivity work?

Satellite connectivity relies on a network of satellites orbiting the Earth to transmit data between users and ground stations. These satellites act as relay points, receiving signals from one location and sending them to another, effectively bypassing the limitations of terrestrial networks. Depending on their orbital altitude and configuration, satellites can provide different coverage, speed, and latency levels.

Modern communication satellites typically operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), or Geostationary Orbit (GEO).

1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Located between 500 and 2,000 km above Earth, LEO satellites offer low latency, making them ideal for broadband internet and real-time applications. Because they move quickly relative to the Earth, a large constellation of satellites is needed to provide continuous coverage.
2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): Positioned between 2,000 and 35,000 km, MEO satellites balance coverage and latency. Compared to LEO, fewer satellites are required but latency is slightly higher. MEO satellites are often used for navigation and communication networks.
3. Geostationary Orbit (GEO): At around 35,786 km above the equator, GEO satellites look like they are fixed from the Earth’s perspective covering large areas with a single satellite but experience higher latency due to the distance. This orbit is commonly used for TV broadcasting, weather monitoring, and certain broadband services.

Satellite connectivity relies on three main types of links: uplink, downlink, inter-satellite link.

The uplink is the one that transmits the data from a ground station to a user device or a satellite; Downlinks transmit  data from the satellite back to the ground station or user; Inter-satellite links allow modern satellites to communicate directly with each other, reducing latency and improving network performance by routing data in space and not through multiple ground stations.

To transmit data, satellites use specific frequency bands like Ka-band, Ku-band and C-band, each with its specific bandwidth, atmospheric interference and coverage.

Besides frequency bands, satellite connectivity also depends on ground stations which manage the satellites, monitor performance, and route data to terrestrial networks.

From remote villages to global commerce

Global satellite connectivity has enormous potential to close the digital gap. Underserved regions can have the same opportunities as urban centers.

For example, a farmer in a remote valley could access weather forecasts and take action if needed, or the market data in real-time to better sell his crops; students in isolated communities could join virtual classrooms continuing their education, and emergency teams could coordinate relief efforts during natural disasters, even when ground-based networks are down.

From a commercial point of view, global broadband from space supports shipping lanes, airlines, offshore energy platforms, and exploration sites. In the security area, satellite connectivity enables secure, resilient communications for defense and humanitarian missions.

Satellite connectivity in the real world

Most people know about Starlink, it’s pretty popular. This LEO constellation has demonstrated, to this day, how satellites, even though thousands of them, can deliver broadband to remote and mobile users worldwide.

Europe is also advancing its own secure connectivity initiative, IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite), aiming to combine commercial and governmental services while ensuring strategic autonomy.

Both cases illustrate how satellite connectivity can be tailored to different needs, one focusing on global commercial coverage, the other on secure communications.

Resilience in satellite connectivity

Besides speed and coverage, satellite connectivity is also about resilience. Space-based systems are less vulnerable to earthly disruptions (like cable cuts or infrastructure damage), adding layers of reliability and security just by being up above, ensuring that communications remain open when they are needed the most.

Additionally, innovations like quantum key distribution and beam shaping are improving the confidentiality of satellite communications, reducing the risk of interception or cyberattacks.

What does the future hold?

One thing’s for sure. The demand for global connectivity grows. So future constellations will have to be integrated with terrestrial 5G network, creating a hybrid system that delivers consistent service anywhere on Earth.

There are, however, some challenges to overcome. Managing orbital congestion, reducing space debris, and ensuring equitable access will require international collaboration. Yet the momentum is clear. Satellite connectivity is becoming a critical part of the world’s communication infrastructure.

At AROBS Polska you can find a dynamic and forward-thinking team specialized in technologies such as quantum and optical communication to drive the future of space exploration. Through strategic partnerships with esteemed organizations, including the European Space Agency (ESA), leading European industry players, and academic institutions, we have honed our ability to deliver solutions precisely tailored to meet the strict requirements and specifications of each project.