The Future of Global Internet was the sub title for Jonathan’s talk. He explained how hundreds of satellites, one following the other in a low orbit around the earth could maintain a continuous contact with a stationary receiving aerial because as one moved out of view another takes it’s place. The satellites are also in contact with each other by laser beams. These low orbiting satellites require less power to maintain contact and are travelling in a polar orbit in order to cover the earth as the earth rotates below.
Other satellites in an orbit further out need more power and therefore are usually of larger construction. Satellites in a ‘geo stationery’ orbit around the equator follow the earth as it turns and, as such, appear to be non moving in relation to the earth. Jonathan explained the radio frequencies used by each sub group to maintain contact and pass data.