In his much-awaited announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, 27 March, declared that India had managed to shoot down a live satellite in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO). A difficult target to achieve, this has put India on the map as a space super power.
But what is the Low Earth Orbit?
A Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is an Earth-centered orbit. These have an altitude of 2,000 km or less. Most human-made objects that are sent to space can be found in the LEO. Till date, most of the space operations and satellites that have been sent are placed in the LEO.
An LEO needs the least amount of energy for placing satellites. This makes it more viable for space stations. In addition to this, the orbit provides high bandwidth and low communication latency. Moreover, because the distance from Earth’s surface is not significantly much, it makes it easier for the space stations for servicing.
The LEO is also utilised for many communication applications due to feasibility.
A lot of spy satellites can be found in this orbit as the surface of Earth is clearer because of the lesser distance as compared to other orbits. They manage to achieve a closer look, but one disadvantage is that the satellites get a lesser field of view.
Due to an increased frequency in the launch of objects in this orbit, the space has been getting congested with space debris.
This makes collisions in the LEO highly dangerous. Scientists have also been growing concerned about this issue.
However, it is a breakthrough for India as it becomes an ‘elite’ space super power. India is only the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to have achieved this feat. This will help in securing India’s safety and economic growth too.
(Inputs from Techopedia)
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