Viasat is reportedly discussing joint manufacturing of miniaturised geostationary (GEO) satellites in India with local startups. The aim is to offer broadband capacity at lower prices than those currently provided by low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite operators in India and abroad. Globally, players such as Starlink, Eutelsat, OneWeb, and Telesat operate LEO constellations.
While GEO satellites orbit about 35,786 kilometres above the equator, LEO satellites travel between 500 kilometres and 2,000 kilometres above Earth’s surface.
Further, the miniaturised GEOs will have a 15-year shelf life and targeted coverage, unlike LEO satellites.
