Is 4 Satellites Enough to Connect the World Through the Internet?

Connecting the world through the internet with just four satellites would be extremely challenging if not impossible for several reasons, primarily due to coverage, capacity, latency, redundancy, and user demand. This article explores these challenges and introduces a recent study offering a novel approach to achieving global internet coverage with only four satellites.

Challenges with Four Satellites

One of the primary concerns is coverage (h2). Satellites in geostationary orbit cover a specific area of the Earth. Four satellites would have limited coverage, potentially leaving large regions, especially at higher latitudes, underserved or without service. This makes it difficult to provide internet access to remote and underdeveloped regions.

The internet requires significant bandwidth to support users. Capacity (h2) is another critical issue. Four satellites would likely struggle to provide enough bandwidth for a large number of users, particularly in densely populated areas. This could result in poor user experiences and high latency, leading to issues with real-time applications like video calls and online gaming.

Latency (h2) is also a significant challenge. Satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) can reduce latency, but geostationary satellites (GEO) place signals at a considerable distance, leading to higher latency. This can severely impact real-time applications and services.

Redundancy and Reliability (h2) are critical for maintaining reliable service. Having only four satellites means that if one fails, the network could be severely impacted. A larger constellation provides redundancy and improves reliability. In the event of a single satellite failure, the network can continue to operate with minimal disruption.

User Demand (h2) is another major challenge. The global demand for internet access is massive and growing. A few satellites would not be able to meet the needs of billions of users. To fully serve the global population, a constellation of hundreds or thousands of satellites is necessary.

Revolutionary Approach with Four Satellites

Based on a recent study published in Nature Communications, six researchers demonstrated the possibility of offering global internet coverage with just four satellites using high orbits (HEO).

In one model, the satellite cluster would complete an orbit of the Earth in 24 hours, at an altitude of around 35,000 kilometers, achieving continuous coverage for 86% of the planet. In another model, the cluster would be almost twice as far away, at around 68,000 kilometers, increasing coverage to 95%.

What is revolutionary about this new proposal is that it leverages natural astrophysical forces to keep the satellites in orbit. These include the gravitational effects of the Earth, sun, and moon, as well as the pressure exerted by solar radiation. By harnessing these forces, the satellites can maintain their orbits without the need for constant propulsion, reducing operational costs and extending their operational life.

Practical Feasibility

Technically, creating a global internet coverage system with only four satellites is feasible, but it would require careful planning and continuous monitoring. While the models suggest potential, it remains to be seen if this can be achieved in a practical scenario. No doubt, this is a revolutionary and ambitious project.

Further Reading

To learn more about this project, please refer to this article. This study offers detailed insights and further information on how these four-satellite constellations could transform global internet connectivity.