Guest Editorial: Low Earth Orbit Satellites to Enable Access Equality

Abstract

Humanity shares the need for Internet access. However, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimates that only 63 percent of the world's population is connected in 2021. The emerging low Earth orbit (LEO) mega-constellation networks, planned to be composed of thousands of satellites, have the potential to connect all through their global footprint and bridge this ever-existing digital divide. Supported by more cost-effective launch systems and reconfigurable software architectures, the capabilities of new LEO satellites are significantly higher than traditional satellites. Moreover, these mega-constellations can provide services not only to sparsely populated areas but also to urban centers to enable and maintain their economic sustainability. However, the provision of access equality would still require architectural, management, and operational changes.