// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Mega-Constellation
An extremely large network of hundreds or even thousands of satellites orbiting Earth, designed to provide widespread services like global internet.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A Mega-Constellation is an exceptionally large network of hundreds to tens of thousands of satellites, primarily in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), deployed by entities like Starlink or OneWeb to provide global, high-bandwidth services such as broadband internet, posing challenges for space traffic management and orbital debris.
BACKGROUND
Space sustainability aims to maintain the safety and health of the space environment, as well as planetary environments. Similar to sustainability initiatives on Earth, space sustainability seeks to use the environment of space to meet the current needs of society without compromising the needs of future generations. It usually focuses on space closest to Earth, Low Earth Orbit (LEO), since this environment is the one most used and therefore most relevant to humans. It also considers Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO) as this orbit is another popular choice for Earth-orbiting mission designs.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Large satellite constellation
- super constellation
- massive LEO network
USAGE NOTE
The deployment of mega-constellations raises concerns about orbital debris and light pollution.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Mega-Constellation.
Operator and manufacturer of the Starlink mega-constellation, the largest to date, designed to provide global high-speed, low-latency broadband internet access. SpaceX leverages its reusable Falcon 9 rockets for rapid deployment.
An Amazon subsidiary building a mega-constellation of over 3,200 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to provide global broadband internet service. The project includes the development of satellites, customer terminals, and a ground network.
A global communications company building a LEO satellite constellation to deliver broadband internet services to governments, businesses, and communities. The company has a substantial number of satellites already in orbit.
A Canadian satellite operator developing the Lightspeed Network, an advanced LEO mega-constellation designed to provide high-capacity, low-latency connectivity for enterprise and government customers worldwide.
A Chinese state-owned enterprise responsible for the construction and operation of China's national satellite internet mega-constellation, known as 'Guo Wang'. The project aims to create a network of nearly 13,000 satellites.
A major European aerospace company heavily involved in the manufacturing of satellites for mega-constellations. Airbus was a key partner in building the satellites for the OneWeb constellation through its joint venture.
A Franco-Italian aerospace manufacturer that designs and builds satellite systems. They are a major contractor for various constellations, including Iridium NEXT, and are developing satellites for Telesat's Lightspeed network.
Developing the first space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly to standard, unmodified mobile phones. Their planned mega-constellation aims to eliminate connectivity gaps around the world.
An aerospace giant that has filed plans with the FCC to build and operate its own LEO satellite constellation for providing broadband internet and communication services. The company is also a leading manufacturer of commercial and military satellites.