High-speed internet connectivity inflight is critical for business aviation. Passengers, pilots, and crews need to remain connected to their work and personal lives wherever they go. Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations now provide fast, inexpensive, and reliable internet connectivity to business aviation jets and turboprops, complementing the high-speed, low-latency air-to-ground networks available in North America.
LEO satellite internet is a game-changer for business aviation, providing fast and reliable low-latency connectivity worldwide. Unlike traditional satellite systems that rely on large, expensive satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO) at ~26,000 miles (~42,000 kilometers) above Earth, LEO constellations orbit at ~600 miles (~965 kilometers) above Earth. The network resilience of a LEO constellation is higher than that of GEO constellations due to their larger number of satellites.
LEO satellite internet users can access high-speed broadband and enjoy high-quality video conferencing, real-time data transfer, and other online services with low latency anywhere on Earth.
“Where GEO is restricted by physics and look-angles, LEO can provide excellent line of sight everywhere, all the time – which will result in more consistent performance, regardless of aircraft position and direction – even at low latitudes. LEO services will provide truly global, high performance, low latency inflight connectivity to the aviation community – an experience limited only by the users’ imagination rather than the available bandwidth.” - Ben Griffin, One Web’s VP of Mobility
LEO satellite constellations consist of many small satellites orbiting Earth at relatively low altitudes (300 to 1,250 miles). These satellites work together to provide total global coverage, ensuring there is always a satellite overhead to maintain connectivity. The satellite systems also require user terminals (antennas) to communicate with the satellites and ground stations to manage the network and transmit data.
Gogo Galileo, Gogo's global broadband service, uses Eutelsat OneWeb's constellation of more than 588 satellites that continually orbit the Earth, providing full coverage from pole-to-pole.
When evaluating LEO satellite internet providers, verify they work as advertised in the field. Factors influencing actual bandwidth include:
The number of satellites required for a LEO constellation depends on various factors, such as the altitudes of the satellite orbital planes, the number of desired in-orbit spares, the desired coverage area, overall network capacity, the anticipated number of users, and network reliability. Generally, a LEO constellation requires a significant number of satellites (in the hundreds or thousands) to achieve global coverage and ensure continuous connectivity.
While LEO networks can have greater capacity than traditional satellite communication networks, they can still become congested if too many users access the network simultaneously. For business aviation, assessing not only the total bandwidth but also the total number of users across all markets that the constellation serves is important. A Service Level Agreement (SLA) can ensure critical users receive adequate bandwidth.
LEO constellation satellites are continuously orbiting the planet and do not maintain a fixed location overhead as GEO satellites do. LEO networks utilize Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) technology, which can be non-mechanically steered to point in different directions without moving the antenna itself. This ESA technology reduces the risk of mechanical failure.
Gogo Galileo’s antenna system, designed with Hughes Network Systems, is tailored for business aviation applications. Gogo offers two low-profile ESA sizes to fit nearly all business aircraft. Gogo additionally manages all support, certification, and installation processes in partnership with OEMs and Dealers and follows FAA change management process for continued airworthiness – ensuring that the antenna meets the highest level of airworthiness and build quality.
Security is a top priority when considering a LEO internet provider to keep data and networks protected from potential cyber threats. Users should expect the same standards of security that they have on regular broadband connections to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, and unauthorized re-direction of internet traffic. Overlay networks such as private relays and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) should seamlessly integrate and be supported, and all communications must be kept private, unaltered, and supported with end-to-end encryption. Ensuring your global inflight connectivity provider specializes
in advanced aviation network and data security is imperative. The best security systems are built from the ground up and integrated into every level of the network. You can read more about Gogo’s industry- leading cybersecurity practices here.
Robust customer support is crucial for minimizing downtime and ensuring reliable internet connectivity. When selecting a connectivity provider, consider the level of customer service and support that is offered. With high expectations from the crew and passengers for reliable and uninterrupted internet connectivity during flights, it is essential to have a provider that can offer prompt and effective assistance in the event of any technical issues or system downtime. A provider that offers live 24/7 support with trained experts you can talk to in person, and one that has a global network of certified service centers, can provide peace of mind and expedite any corrective action that may be required.
Gogo offers 24/7 worldwide customer support and has a global network of customer service and product support teams who are always available to keep your systems operational. Gogo also offers remote diagnostic and support, allowing our support team to connect directly to your hardware and solve issues without having to send a tech or replace your LRU.