LEO mega constellations: satellites that are changing our world

Global Watch | 2025-10-30

Imagine a sky filled with thousands of small satellites working together to connect the entire planet. These satellites, called low Earth orbit (LEO) mega constellations, are not just a futuristic idea -- they are already being launched into space by companies like SpaceX, OneWeb, Amazon and Eutelsat.

While they might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, LEO mega constellations are set to revolutionize how we live, work and interact with the world. From boosting national defense to improving everyday lifestyles, these satellites are making a big impact globally, including in countries like Norway, France, Portugal, South Korea, Australia and Japan.

LEO mega constellations are networks of small satellites orbiting the Earth at low altitudes -- between 500 and 2,000km above the surface. Unlike traditional satellites that sit much higher in geostationary orbit (about 36,000km up), LEO satellites are closer to Earth.

This means they can provide faster internet, clearer communication and better coverage, even in remote areas. Think of them as a giant web of satellites blanketing the planet, ensuring no one is left out of the digital world.

Impact on national defense

When it comes to national defense, LEO mega constellations are a game-changer. These satellites provide real-time communication and surveillance, which is critical for military operations.

For example, they can track hypersonic missiles— -- hose super-fast weapons that are hard to detect with traditional systems. With LEO satellites, military forces can respond faster to threats, improving national security.

Countries like South Korea and Japan are leveraging their partnerships with SpaceX and OneWeb to enhance their defense capabilities. South Korea, for instance, is using LEO networks to improve communication for its military forces, particularly in areas where traditional infrastructure is limited. Japan, on the other hand, is integrating LEO satellite data into its disaster response systems, ensuring that its defense forces can act quickly during emergencies.

While companies like SpaceX, OneWeb, Amazon and Eutelsat are often seen as competitors in the race to deploy LEO mega constellations, their collaboration offers immense benefits for global connectivity. By working together, these companies can pool resources, share expertise and accelerate the deployment of satellite networks that serve the entire planet.

For example, OneWeb and Eutelsat have partnered to expand their satellite capabilities, combining OneWeb's expertise in LEO constellations with Eutelsat's experience in geostationary satellites.

This collaboration allows them to offer complementary services, such as high-speed internet for remote areas and reliable coverage for urban centers. Similarly, SpaceX and Amazon have explored partnerships to integrate satellite connectivity with cloud services, enabling businesses to access advanced tools for data storage and analysis.

The benefits of such cooperation are clear. By aligning their goals, these companies can reduce costs, improve efficiency and ensure that underserved regions receive the connectivity they need.

For example, France and Portugal are leveraging the combined efforts of OneWeb, Eutelsat and SpaceX to improve internet access in rural areas and support their growing tech industries. This collaborative approach ensures that no region is left behind in the digital age.

Boosting economic growth

LEO mega constellations are not just about defense and collaboration, they are also a huge opportunity for economic growth. By providing high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas, these satellites are opening up new markets and creating jobs.

Imagine a small business owner in rural Norway who can now sell products online to customers around the world. Or think about farmers in Australia using real-time weather data to improve their crop yields. These are just a few examples of how LEO satellites are empowering people and boosting local economies.

In addition, industries like transportation, healthcare and manufacturing are benefiting from the connectivity provided by LEO networks. Autonomous vehicles, telemedicine and smart factories are all becoming more efficient thanks to these satellites. The result? More innovation, more jobs and stronger economies.

Education is another area where LEO mega constellations are making a big difference. In many parts of the world, students do not have access to reliable internet, which limits their ability to learn and grow. LEO satellites are changing that by bringing high-speed internet to even the most remote schools.

For example, in Norway's Arctic regions, where traditional internet infrastructure is difficult to maintain, SpaceX's Starlink is providing reliable connectivity to schools and research stations. This is enabling students to access online resources and researchers to collaborate on global projects. Similarly, in Australia, remote schools are using LEO networks to connect students with teachers and educational content that would otherwise be out of reach.

Improving life

Finally, LEO mega constellations can help improve the day-to-day life for people. For starters, they can make internet faster and more reliable. Whether someone is streaming their favorite show, working from home or video chatting with family, they can experience fewer interruptions and better quality.

In Japan, LEO satellites are enabling smart city initiatives, where everything from traffic lights to public transportation systems is connected to the internet. This makes cities more efficient and easier to navigate.

In Portugal, rural communities are using LEO networks to access telemedicine services, allowing patients to consult with doctors without traveling long distances. And in France, farmers are using satellite data to monitor their crops and optimize their harvests, improving food security and sustainability.

LEO satellites are also making travel safer and more efficient. Planes, ships and even self-driving cars will use these networks for navigation and communication, reducing delays and improving safety. And in disaster-prone areas like Australia, LEO satellites can provide real-time updates and help coordinate relief efforts, saving lives and minimizing damage.

LEO mega constellations are more than just a technological marvel, they are a tool for progress. From strengthening national defense to driving economic growth, advancing education and improving everyday life, these satellites are shaping the future in ways we cannot fully imagine yet.

Countries like Norway, France, Portugal, South Korea, Australia and Japan are already reaping the benefits of their collaborations with SpaceX, OneWeb, Amazon and Eutelsat, proving that cooperation in satellite technology has the power to transform lives.

These tiny satellites orbiting above are doing more than just floating in space. They are connecting the world, one signal at a time, and making life better for all of us. The future is closer than people think, and it is powered by LEO mega constellations.