Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology has become the core of the development of the global communications industry and space technology. Its characteristics of low latency and high coverage can not only make up for the shortcomings of ground communications, but the LEO industry is also facing explosive challenges behind its booming development. Let’s start with the current situation of various low-orbit satellite industry players and look at the application and future development of low-orbit satellites in various fields! We posted an article about classification of satellite orbit previously including LEO, MEO and GEO.
2. Future applications of low-orbit satellites
2.1 Wide coverage and precise application of IoT
Low-orbit satellites（LEO） bring global connectivity to IoT applications, especially in remote areas that are difficult to reach with terrestrial networks. For example, in agriculture, satellites can be used to transmit data to monitor soil moisture and crop health at any time; marine research relies on satellite data to track ocean currents and pollution.
Low-power wide area network (LPWAN) technology of low-orbit satellites is also suitable for long-distance data transmission, which is very suitable for applications such as forest fire monitoring and navigation management of ocean-going cargo ships. Australia's Fleet Space Technologies is serving 1 million IoT devices worldwide through a constellation of nanosatellites, becoming one of the pioneers in this field.
2.2 Real-time management and disaster prevention applications in smart cities
Low-orbit satellites（LEO） can provide large-scale, real-time data support for smart cities, making infrastructure management more efficient. For example, satellite data can be used to regularly monitor the structural health of bridges and roads to reduce risks caused by aging.
In terms of traffic management, satellite data can help manage traffic flow and reduce congestion. In disaster prevention applications, low-orbit satellites can provide high-resolution images of disaster areas, helping disaster relief units quickly locate disaster-stricken areas and priority repair points, thereby improving the efficiency of post-disaster reconstruction.
2.3 Communications and safety upgrades in the aviation industry
Low-orbit satellites（LEO） have a particularly significant impact on the aviation industry, providing global network coverage for aircraft, not only allowing passengers to enjoy high-speed Internet during flight, but also taking flight tracking a step further. Real-time transmission of aircraft location and route information via satellite can improve flight safety, and the meteorological information provided by the satellite system can help aircraft avoid bad weather, enhance fuel use and management, and flight planning.
2.4 Global connectivity and security monitoring for the shipping industry
The application of low-orbit satellites（LEO） in the shipping industry is also gradually becoming popular, especially in maritime communications and ship tracking. Due to the lack of stable terrestrial networks in most areas at sea, satellite connections have become the preferred solution for ship communication and navigation. Satellite data can help monitor marine pollution, illegal fishing and smuggling activities, while simultaneously tracking ship locations and navigation routes in real time. To reduce the risk of maritime disaster.
3. Challenges of the low-orbit（LEO） satellite industry
3.1 Technical challenges and capital thresholds
The manufacturing and launch of low-orbit satellites must meet the dual requirements of high reliability and low cost. The integration of various subsystems within the satellite (such as communications, propulsion, power, etc.) is also extremely challenging, especially for small satellites, whose technical complexity is no less than that of large satellites. The high R&D costs of ground-based equipment, such as high-gain antennas and frequency chips, have become a bottleneck restricting the scale of the industry.
3.2 Space debris and regulatory issues
With the deployment of a large number of low-orbit （LEO）satellites, the problem of space debris has gradually come to the fore. According to estimates by the International Space Regulatory Organization, there are currently hundreds of thousands of pieces of debris in Earth's orbit that threaten satellites in orbit and future missions. In addition, the allocation of spectrum resources and international coordination also face challenges, and countries need to unify standards to avoid frequency interference.
It is worth mentioning that Starlink claims that they use an environmentally friendly design to ensure that retired satellites burn out when they return to Earth to reduce the generation of space debris.
3.3 Market competition and investment return pressure
Although the low-orbit satellite industry is growing rapidly, the market competition is fierce. The competition between Starlink, OneWeb and Kuiper has increased the pressure of capital investment. For example, Amazon Kuiper plans to invest more than 10 billion US dollars in a few years, but its commercial payback period may take longer. New start-ups are unable to support their long-term operations due to insufficient funds, resulting in higher entry barriers.
Low-orbit satellite（LEO） technology is changing global communications, production and lifestyles. From the Internet of Things to aviation and shipping, low-orbit satellites have shown their potential. However, with the rapid development of technology, the industry is also facing multiple challenges such as capital pressure, regulatory difficulties and environmental risks. In the future, cooperation between governments, enterprises and international organizations will be the key to breaking through bottlenecks and achieving sustainable development in the low-orbit satellite （LEO）industry.

In satellite TV systems, LNB (Low Noise Block Converter) is one of the key components, which is to receive weak signals transmitted from satellites and convert them into low-frequency signals that satellite receivers can process. Choosing a suitable LNB can significantly improve the quality of signal reception. This article will explain in detail how to choose a suitable LNB for your satellite antenna.

1. Basic functions of LNB
LNB (Low Noise Block downconverter) is a low noise downconverter, which has three core functions:

Receive satellite signals (usually C-band or Ku-band)
Reduce signal noise (“low noise” part)
Convert high-frequency signals to low-frequency signals suitable for coaxial cable transmission (“downconverter” part)
2. Key factors for selecting LNB
2.1 Satellite signal frequency band

C-band LNB (3.7-4.2GHz): usually used for large parabolic antennas (above 1.8 meters), suitable for receiving traditional satellite TV signals
Ku-band LNB (10.7-12.75GHz): used for small and medium-sized antennas (0.6-1.2 meters), modern satellite TV mainly uses this frequency band
2.2 LNB types

Single output LNB: the most basic model, can only receive one polarization signal at a time
Dual output LNB: can receive horizontal and vertical polarization signals at the same time
Quad LNB: four independent outputs, suitable for multi-room installation
Octo LNB: eight independent outputs, ideal for large installations
Universal LNB: automatically switches between high and low frequency bands
Single LO/Dual LO LNB: choose according to reception needs
2.3. Local Oscillator Frequency

Must match the satellite signal you receive:

Universal Ku-band LNB: 9.75GHz/10.6GHz
C-band LNB: usually 5.15GHz
2.4 Feed Type

Standard Feed: Suitable for most parabolic antennas
Offset Feed: Suitable for offset feed antennas
3. Installation precautions

Waterproof treatment: Make sure the LNB connection is well sealed
Precise alignment: The polarization angle and focal length of the LNB must be accurately adjusted
Wire quality: Use high-quality coaxial cable to reduce signal loss
Lightning protection: Install lightning protection devices in areas prone to lightning

If you want to receive signals from multiple satellites simultaneously you would need, conventionally, many physically separate antenna dishes. Or, like the above example you need just one "Simulsat" antenna, equipped with multiple feeds.

If you want the azimuth and elevation angles for all visible satellites from your location try my calculator page:
https://www.satsig.net/pointing/dish-pointing-angles-for-all-geo-satellites.htm

Hopefully it will give you a table of satellites and az-el angles in the form of a text file that you can print out.

If this works for you please tell me, eric@satsig.net Thanks.

Monopulse tracking

This tracking system requires a special feed system on the antenna with multiple outputs, arranged so that the phase angle difference between the beacon signal appearing at the various outlets relates to the angle that the satellite is off from the central main beam direction.

Advantage and disadvantages
Fast and immediate closed loop following of the satellite.
Good for fast moving satellites.
Good for mobile satellite operation, such as maritime, aircraft or land vehicles.
Requires multiple receivers.

Good article to read: http://www.milsatmagazine.com/story.php?number=130210618

Here are some details about "Step track" system:

Step track

In this tracking system, once the satellite beacon has been initially found manually, the tracking system measures the beacon level and applies periodic step movements to the antenna in azimuth and elevation.

In a step track system, if the beacon level has reduced, the controller might move the antenna experimentally one step. If there is an improvement it carries on till the level starts to decrease. It is possible to then move the antenna to the optimum position.

This process may be repeated on the other axis (azimuth or elevation) as required.

Intelligent step track

To reduce the number of step movements and improve accuracy, software may be implemented to learn the daily orbital movement pattern during the initial 24 hours, and subsequently make step movements in a predictive fashion without waiting for detection of reduced level. The software may also include features to deal with rain fades and thruster firings.

Step track systems need careful set up with consideration given to the antenna beamwith, the angular step movements and motor run times for each step. Read the instructions carefully.

Advantage / Disadvantages

Ideal for slow moving geostationary satellites.

Not suitable for fast moving satellites.

It cannot do an initial finding of the satellite unless aimed approximately manually.

Have look here:
https://newerasystems.net/product-category/satellite_modem/idirect-routers/



I hope you find what you want.
Forum admin.

Hi I need iDirect modem x1 or x3 in Egypt

Simulsat multi-beam antenna for sale



More details and price of this Simulsat antenna for sale (pdf file)

Details above put here by Satsig forum admin 30 May 2025. If interested, please contact Jim Foley direct.

In satellite communications, Program Tracking, TLE Tracking, and Vector Tracking are three distinct tracking methods, each with different principles and application scenarios. Although they are all used to control ground station antennas to point toward satellites, their implementation methods and accuracy levels differ significantly. With the development of satellite communication industry, TLE Tracking, and Vector Tracking are becoming more and more widely used due to their own advantages.
1. Program Tracking
Program Tracking is a method based on pre-programmed satellite orbital data. The ground station calculates the satellite’s position in advance using known orbital parameters (such as Keplerian elements or TLE data) and generates a schedule of azimuth and elevation angles over time. The ground station then adjusts the antenna pointing according to this schedule.
2. TLE Tracking
Two-Line Element (TLE) tracking is a widely used method for predicting the position and velocity of Earth-orbiting satellites. TLE data is provided by organizations like NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) and is used in satellite communication systems to determine the location of satellites for tracking, communication, and data transmission purposes.

A TLE is a data format used to convey the orbital elements of an Earth-orbiting object, such as a satellite. It consists of two lines of 69 characters each, containing information about the satellite’s orbit. These elements are used in conjunction with an orbital prediction model (such as SGP4/SDP4) to calculate the satellite’s position and velocity at a given time.
3. Vector Tracking
Vector tracking is an advanced signal processing technique used in satellite communication systems, particularly in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers. Unlike traditional scalar tracking, which processes each satellite signal independently, vector tracking employs a unified approach to estimate the user’s position, velocity, and time (PVT) by jointly processing all available satellite signals. This method offers several advantages, including improved robustness, accuracy, and performance in challenging environments.
4. Comparison of the Three Tracking Methods

NEWS: It is hoped that Starlink will soon be able to start serving customers in India.
Licencing will depend on India and Starlink agreeing the operating conditions which are believed to include a requirement that communications are via terrestrial hubs located in India. Starlink satellites have the capabiliy to relay traffic via optical ISL links from satellite to satellite and thus down to any suitable terrestrial hub. This facility will need to be limited to keep hub sites within India.