In 1979, an astrophysicist from NASA proposed a theory known as the Kessler syndrome, which describes a catastrophic chain reaction that could occur if an orbiting satellite or another object collides with another and breaks into pieces.



These pieces would then destroy everything in their path and set off a catastrophic chain reaction, ultimately leaving the Earth surrounded by millions of pieces of dysfunctional space debris. This event could render near-Earth space useless, destroying any new satellites sent into it and possibly blocking access to space altogether.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was concerned when SpaceX filed a request to send thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit to provide a global high-speed Internet network because of this theory. SpaceX responded to these concerns and competitor petitions for over a year, including filing an "orbital debris reduction plan" to alleviate fears of a Kessler apocalypse. On March 28, the FCC granted SpaceX's application.

However, SpaceX is not alone in trying to build next-generation satellite constellations, and space debris is not the only concern for the FCC. Other organizations are developing new business plans and seeking access to the parts of the spectrum they need to offer fast, reliable Internet coverage.
Raising billions of dollars, big names like Richard Branson and Elon Musk are involved in these endeavors, but there are also illegal satellites being launched.

The goal of providing good Internet access where there was none before can be achieved through satellites, particularly non-geostationary satellites, including LEOs, which have become increasingly popular.  However, regulations for non-geostationary satellites have been established by various agencies worldwide, including NASA, FCC, DOD, FAA, and even the UN International Telecommunications Union.

How can a profit-driven business model bring the internet to developing countries and underserved populations who cannot afford it? The low orbit satellite (LEO) system will cover regions with no population or those with poor people since they are evenly distributed around the earth. Any margin that can be obtained from these regions will be of profit, making the internet available everywhere.

To be successful in providing the internet to the mass consumer market, businesses must consider user interface, affordability, and capacity. SpaceX and OneWeb are targeting regular subscribers in their business plans, but there is no well-coordinated policy on what to do about space debris since LEO satellites pass through many countries.

The FCC is responsible for allocating spectra, but companies must obtain permission from individual countries to operate. Late last year, the FCC denied Swarm Technologies permission to launch their prototype LEO communications satellites because they were too small to track and could be unpredictable and dangerous.

The success of satellite Internet depends on its affordability for end clients. The hope to introduce the Internet to Africa for profit may not be practical since most people there live on a dollar a day, with more pressing issues than Internet access.

In other words, the lack of Internet access in Africa is not due to infrastructure, but rather the lack of funds available to pay for it. Merely introducing satellite infrastructure will not address this issue. Therefore, satellite Internet must be extremely affordable to encourage people in the poorest countries to use it.

Why do we need satellite Internet when cable Internet is already available and seemingly superior? The cost of infrastructure for launching and maintaining satellites, expensive transceiver equipment, and issues with orbit debris are concerns.

However, the lack of plans for open connection options, even for those installing cables, is a source of frustration. In some instances, requests for radio or fiber-optic connection were denied due to technical limitations or lack of free ports, leaving some without access to better internet speeds.

But over time, the situation improved as new technicians and contractors began laying fiber optic cables. Still, it remains unclear when and how to apply for internet connections, leaving many in limbo. Despite the challenges, satellite Internet can still be a viable option for those living in remote or underdeveloped areas.

This perspective assumes that things will remain the same without taking into account the impending financial crisis that will likely impact the United States and the dollar system. Elon Musk, more of a showman than an entrepreneur, may be affected by this crisis.

Furthermore, there is always the possibility of an asymmetric response, such as an official ban on the sale and use of receivers for satellite internet. This may not deter advanced and determined users from finding ways to access satellite internet, but it may still impact the masses who are vulnerable to manipulation.

Moreover, if there is credible evidence of weapons being deployed via satellites, it could lead to real actions in space, such as the creation of debris clouds. Therefore, it is important to consider not just the benefits of satellite internet but also its potential drawbacks and unintended consequences.

LEO, or Low Earth Orbit, satellites are a type of satellite that orbit the Earth at altitudes between 160 to 2,000 kilometers.

Compared to other types of satellites, such as Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites, LEO satellites have some distinct advantages. One of these advantages is lower latency or delay in communication. Since LEO satellites are closer to the Earth's surface, it takes less time for signals to travel to and from them, resulting in faster data transmission. This makes LEO satellites suitable for applications that require real-time communication, such as voice and video calls.

Another advantage of LEO satellites is their ability to provide global coverage. Due to their low altitude, multiple LEO satellites can be deployed to form a constellation, allowing them to cover the entire surface of the Earth. This is useful for applications like global internet connectivity, where a network of LEO satellites can work together to provide worldwide coverage.

LEO satellites are also known for their flexibility and scalability. Since they are deployed at lower altitudes, they can be launched using smaller and less expensive rockets, reducing the overall costs of deployment. Additionally, if more satellites are needed to increase capacity or coverage, new satellites can be launched and integrated into the existing constellation relatively easily.

However, there are also some challenges associated with LEO satellites. One challenge is maintaining the satellite constellation in orbit. Since LEO satellites experience atmospheric drag, they need to periodically boost their orbits using onboard propulsion systems. This ensures that they do not re-enter the Earth's atmosphere prematurely.

Furthermore, due to the large number of satellites in LEO constellations, there is a concern about space debris. As more LEO satellites are deployed, there is a higher chance of collisions or near misses with other satellites or space debris, which could lead to damage or destruction. To mitigate this risk, satellite operators are exploring various strategies, such as implementing collision avoidance systems and deorbiting satellites at the end of their operational life.

Overall, LEO satellites offer many benefits in terms of faster communication, global coverage, and scalability. They have the potential to revolutionize various industries, including internet connectivity, Earth observation, and remote sensing.