low earth orbit

<communications> (LEO) The kind of orbit used by communications satellites that will offer high bandwidth for video on demand, television and other Internet communications. A satellite in LEO, in contrast to one in a geostationary orbit, is not in a fixed position relative the the Earth's surface so several satellites are required to provide continuous service.

[Ovum report, "Applications for the superhighway", John Moroney].

(06 Feb 1996)