Comparison of geostationary and low-orbit "round dance" satellite communication systems

Modern satellite navigations systems utilize high-orbit (mostly geostationary) and low-orbit satellites. Both satellite types have their advantages and disadvantages. A global communication system requires at least three or five GEO satellites with a life of 10 years, with each satellite costing around $200 million. Low-orbit global communication systems of the "round dance" type must have from hundreds to thousands of satellites. Their orbit life can range from 2 to 5 years; their cost must be between $1 million and $20 million. At this stage, there is a wide range of means for launching communications satellites into orbit, a large range of metal and composite structural materials. In addition, there are methods of designing, manufacturing, and testing communication satellites, as well as software and hardware for satellite control have been developed. So, the problem of economic optimization of communication satellite constellations becomes relevant. The paper presents the results of the comparative engineering and economic analysis of two types of satellite constellations.