Analysis
Satellite and Debris by Apogee
Satellites orbit the Earth at various altitudes, with their highest point known as the apogee. This graph illustrates the distribution of satellites by their apogee, providing insights into the types of orbits currently in use and the purposes they serve.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Dominance
The majority of satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit, with apogees below 2,000 km. This region is popular for Earth observation, remote sensing, and new communication constellations. The high number of satellites in LEO reflects the growing trend of smaller, more affordable satellites and the demand for low-latency services.
Higher Orbits and Specialized Applications
Satellites with higher apogees, such as those in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO), are fewer but serve critical roles. These include global navigation systems like GPS and large-scale telecommunication networks. The distribution of satellites in these higher orbits has remained relatively stable, highlighting their continued importance in global infrastructure.