Low Earth Orbit Satellites: Exploring the Future of Connectivity

Resources from New America’s Wireless Future Program
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A space station floats above the earth.
Marc Ward via Shutterstock
Nov. 6, 2025

Since the launch of Sputnik I in 1957, satellite technology has evolved to facilitate connectivity, including broadcast, cellular service, and broadband internet access. Recent advances in satellite technology have fueled an exponential increase in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, which provide low-latency, high-speed connectivity. As the field continues to rapidly grow, LEO satellites present an opportunity to expand connectivity access for individual and enterprise users—particularly those in underserved or hard-to-reach areas.

This collection provides an overview of Wireless Future’s efforts to advance the nascent field in order to facilitate universal connectivity and efficient spectrum sharing.