Part 21 Hack the Protocol Stack - Understanding Orbital Altitudes and Roles in Satcom

In this high-level session of the "Hack the Protocol Stack" series, we delve into the orbital layers surrounding Earth and explore how their unique characteristics affect satellite-based communication systems. From GPS-enabled MEO satellites to stationary GEO satellites and low-latency LEO orbits, we examine their strengths, limitations, and military/positioning applications.

This episode is ideal for learners interested in satellite architecture, communication theory, and national defense communication networks.

⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 ▶️ Introduction to Orbital Altitudes
01:40 ▶️ Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) & GPS Satellite Systems
02:30 ▶️ Geostationary/Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO/GSO) & Fixed Location Satellites
03:10 ▶️ Challenges in Low vs. High Orbital Communication
04:00 ▶️ Real-World Applications: Military, Navigation & Communication Infrastructure

📌 What You'll Learn:
• Key differences between LEO, MEO, GEO, and GSO orbits
• How GPS works from medium Earth orbit
• Advantages of GEO for fixed-location satellite services
• Communication and latency challenges in low and high Earth orbits
• Applications in defense, tracking, and satellite internet systems

🛰️ Concepts Covered:
• Orbital Mechanics in Communication Systems
• Satellite Positioning & Coverage Models
• Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
• Orbital Trade-Offs: Latency vs. Coverage
• Military Communication Infrastructure

📢 Community & Resources:
🌐 Website: https://acql.ir
📸 Instagram: aiooo_cql
📢 Telegram: @aioooir
🐦 Twitter: @aioooir
💻 GitHub: https://github.com/aiooord

🧪 Challenge for Viewers:
Design a satellite-based service (e.g. internet, surveillance, or positioning) and choose the appropriate orbit for it. Justify your decision based on coverage area, latency, and orbital lifetime. Would your system use GEO, MEO, or LEO—and why?