The satellite communications industry is experiencing a rapid transformation. Previously reliant on single-orbit systems, operators are now taking advantage of technology that is enabling them to integrate multiple orbits – including geostationary (GEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO) – across a single network. The SATCOM sector, together with defense and enterprise customers, are embracing multi-orbit networks to strengthen resilience. The shift is driven by the vulnerabilities in a single‑orbit model, which is more exposed to outages and potential risks. From closing coverage gaps to providing secure backhaul, multi-orbit networks can handle dynamic channel conditions, including atmospheric effects and interference.
Why Multi-Orbit?
The notion of multi‑orbit offers a more adaptive solution to connectivity challenges. Multi-orbit connectivity leverages the strengths of each orbit to deliver continuous, reliable and optimized performance. Two or more orbits enables networks to reduce latency, increase resiliency against outages or congestion, and expand coverage to support diverse needs across industries.
Each orbit brings unique strengths. GEO satellites provide expansive coverage, but with higher latency. LEO systems enable low-latency, high-bandwidth applications, but require complex constellation management and frequent handovers. MEO satellites strike a balance, offering lower latency than GEO with broader coverage and fewer satellites than LEO.
Multi-orbit architectures deliver tangible advantages beyond connectivity. By dynamically routing traffic, they can mitigate interference, maintain service continuity during adverse weather, and provide secure backhaul across diverse paths. They can also offer redundancy for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), complementing GPS against outages or jamming.
Integrating SATCOM solutions across multiple orbits creates stronger networks – delivering advantages that any one orbit service alone could provide.
Enabling the Future
As the industry moves toward multi-orbit architectures, testing, validation and interoperability are critical. Testing multi-orbit systems—especially with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL)—is critical to ensure performance, reliability and interoperability.
Bringing LEO, GEO and MEO together in a single network requires advanced engineering and rigorous testing, particularly when integrating new technologies such as multi-link terminals and complex ground segments. For hybrid systems to succeed, performance, reliability and resilience through seamless handovers must be validated prior to deployment.
Square Peg meets the growing demand for advanced testing, resilient infrastructure, and trusted system engineering to deliver excellence and reliability at every stage. With more than 30 years of SATCOM experience, Square Peg provides advanced test and simulation solutions alongside deep engineering expertise, turning ambitious concepts like multi-orbit connectivity into dependable realities..
View our RLS-2100 Radio Link Simulator modeling a multi-orbit scenario and applying varying channel characteristics for LEO and MEO satellite links in this time-lapsed video here.
Colin Telfer, RLS Product Manager, Square Peg CommunicationsSATCOM solutions across multiple orbits creates stronger networks – delivering advantages that any one orbit service alone could provide.