// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Non-Geostationary
Refers to satellites that do not stay in a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface, constantly moving across the sky, typically in LEO or MEO.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Non-Geostationary (NGSO) describes satellites operating in orbits other than geostationary, primarily Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), which continuously move relative to the Earth's surface, requiring constellations for continuous coverage and offering lower latency.
BACKGROUND
Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, doing business as SpaceX, is a private American spaceflight, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence company headquartered at the Starbase development site in Starbase, Texas. Since its founding in 2002, the company has made numerous advances in rocket propulsion, reusable launch vehicles, human spaceflight and satellite constellation technology. As of 2026, SpaceX conducts more orbital launches annually than any other launch provider, including private competitors and national programs like the Chinese space program. SpaceX, NASA, and the United States Armed Forces work closely together by means of governmental contracts.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- NGSO
- non-GEO
- LEO/MEO satellite
- moving satellite
USAGE NOTE
The rise of NGSO constellations is transforming satellite communication and Earth observation markets.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Non-Geostationary.
Develops, launches, and operates Starlink, a large constellation of non-geostationary satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) providing global broadband internet service.
Developing and planning to launch Project Kuiper, a large constellation of non-geostationary satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to provide global broadband internet access.
Operates a global constellation of non-geostationary satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity.
Operates the O3b and mPOWER constellations of non-geostationary satellites in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), providing high-throughput, low-latency data connectivity services.
Developing Telesat Lightspeed, a global constellation of advanced non-geostationary satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) designed to deliver enterprise-grade broadband services.
Operates the world's largest fleet of Earth imaging satellites, all of which are non-geostationary spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), providing daily insights into global change.
Develops and operates a constellation of non-geostationary Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for high-resolution, all-weather Earth observation.
Develops and operates launch vehicles (Electron, Neutron) specifically designed to deploy small satellites into various non-geostationary orbits (LEO, MEO), and also builds satellite platforms for NGSO missions.
Develops and manufactures 3D-printed rockets (Terran 1, Terran R) capable of launching payloads, including those for non-geostationary constellations, into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond.