The region generally spans from 160 kilometers (100 miles) to 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) above mean sea level. This orbital zone is defined by a specific altitude range where spacecraft complete one revolution around the planet approximately every 88 to 127 minutes, experiencing roughly 15 to 17 orbits per day.
Low Earth Orbit Examples Space Stations and Their Altitude Range
The Role of Inclination In addition to altitude, the orbital inclination—the angle between the orbital plane and Earth’s equator—defines the specific characteristics of a low Earth orbit. The Defined Altitude Range Engineers and space agencies classify low Earth orbit by a precise altitude boundary that balances gravitational pull against orbital velocity.
8 kilometers per second (about 17,500 miles per hour) at the altitudes most commonly used for human spaceflight. Orbital Mechanics and Velocity To maintain a stable low Earth orbit, a spacecraft must achieve a specific horizontal velocity that creates a balance between its forward momentum and the downward pull of gravity.
Low Earth Orbit Examples Space Stations and Their Altitude Range
This required velocity is approximately 7. This high velocity is the defining characteristic that separates orbital mechanics from suborbital flight, which follows a ballistic arc and returns to Earth within minutes.
More About What is considered low earth orbit
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More perspective on What is considered low earth orbit can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.
