But Earth with its swarms of low-orbit satellites was unique.

But the low-orbit satellites had dropped out of the communications network hours ago.

"It sends signals digitally up to one of seventeen low-orbit satellites."

The antennas would improve communication with low-orbit satellites that allow the company to report the location of a truck and status information back to its clients.

She pulled up the screen showing the microwave signal coming into Area 7 from the low-orbit satellite.

The Teledesic network, still mainly only a concept with a projected cost of $9 billion, would use 840 low-orbit satellites.

This was optimal for low-orbit satellites, allowed for a small antenna dish but gave a low bit rate.

Maintaining and launching low-orbit satellites is expensive, but Iridium is being squeezed, analysts say.

Scientists say such flights offer virtually the same advantages as low-orbit satellites for much less money.

Short Life Span Still, low-orbit satellites pose some distinct disadvantages.