Avanti is expanding its reach by becoming a global multi-orbit provider of fully integrated connectivity services and solutions.
In a rapidly changing industry multi-orbit satellite connectivity has taken centre stage. While this has given customers more choice and flexibility, it has also driven complexity. The new strategy will help Avanti better respond to the diverse needs of its customer base, while continuing to deliver high-performance solutions on a global scale.
Most constellations consist of Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites. GEO satellites move in sync with Earth’s rotation, allowing them to appear stationary. Positioned at an altitude of 35,786 kilometres, GEO satellites cover vast areas, requiring only three equally spaced satellites to offer almost global coverage. These satellites typically have a lifespan of approximately 15 years. On the other hand, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations are formed by hundreds of satellites orbiting the Earth. With over 600 individual LEO satellites and numerous ground stations worldwide, LEO satellites are smaller, lighter, more cost-effective to launch, and easier to replace.
Middle Earth Orbit (MEO) constellations are, as the name indicates it, in between GEO and LEO. The altitude can vary from 5,000 to 20,000 km. LEO and GEO satellite networks are complementary, not competitive. Each can provide connectivity, with some degrees of difference in coverage and latency. Combined, they increase the capacity, reliability, and speed of connectivity bringing airlines, and passengers, truly global coverage in-flight.
| Orbit | 36,000KM |
|---|---|
| Satellite Required | 3 |
| Antenna Speed | Stationary |
| Capacity per Satellite | Up to 1Tbps |
| Latency | > 500ms |
| Satellite life | 15 years |
| Advantages |
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| Disadvantages |
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| Orbit | 5,000 – 10,000KM |
|---|---|
| Satellite Required | 6-20 |
| Antenna Speed | 1-hour slow tracking |
| Capacity per Satellite | 100 Gbps |
| Latency | 100 – 200ms |
| Satellite life | 5 to 8 years |
| Advantages |
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| Disadvantages |
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| Orbit | 500 – 1200 KM |
|---|---|
| Satellite Required | Hundreds |
| Antenna Speed | 10-minute fast tracking |
| Capacity per Satellite | 5 to 20 Gbps |
| Latency | 25 – 100ms |
| Satellite life | 5 years |
| Advantages |
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| Disadvantages |
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A multi-orbit network of GEO, MEO and LEO satellites, allows to provide a flexible range of solutions that vary in coverage, throughput, and latency to best support the customer’s specific applications.
The growing number of orbits and connectivity options, while having the potential to deliver more choices and flexibility, risks confusing the customer and slowing down project delivery.
We are here to help you match the right application to the right orbit through our customer-centric multi-orbit approach. Get in touch with our team and we can help you get the best solution for your needs.