LEO Satellite Networks: Supporting Maritime Safety, Efficiency and Innovation

Across the maritime sector, the availability of data has never been higher. Supported by new data collection technologies and advanced analytics, mariners are gaining access to increasingly detailed information on the marine environment. Smart sensors are also becoming more widespread, enabling real-time monitoring of on-board equipment and cargo. Combined, these insights have the potential to provide both mariners and shore-based teams with greater situational and operational awareness throughout voyages.However, unlike many onshore industries that are already benefitting from improved data availability, the maritime sector still faces significant barriers, primarily due to slow and often unreliable at-sea communications. More timely access to data is particularly critical to translating data-driven insights into real-world benefits and fostering industry innovation. To enhance vessel connectivity and overcome this challenge, there has been growing interest in the use of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks.

Growth of LEO satellite constellations

Compared to traditional geostationary satellites, LEO satellites orbit around fifty times closer to the Earth’s surface, enabling them to be deployed at a lower cost and offer increased data transfer speeds. As LEO satellites cover smaller areas, to ensure continuous coverage, individual satellites are arranged into interconnected constellations. These constellations can range in size, incorporating hundreds or