| UPSC Relevance- Prelims-Science & Technology: Satellite communication, orbital mechanics (LEO, MEO, GEO), frequency bands (Ku, Ka), antenna technology. GS Paper III – Science and Technology |
Why in News?
- Elon Musk’s Starlink is set to enter the Indian market, signalling a major transformation in internet infrastructure.
- The arrival of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mega-constellations is altering both civilian and military communication systems worldwide.
Background
- Ground-based internet: Relies on cables, fiber optics, and mobile towers; cost-effective in urban areas but uneconomical in sparsely populated or difficult terrains (mountains, deserts, islands).
- Gap in connectivity: According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), around 2.6 billion people still lack internet access globally, many in remote regions.
- Strategic importance: Satellite internet has been a lifeline during disasters (e.g., Hurricane Harvey, 2017) and conflicts (e.g., Ukraine’s reliance on Starlink in the 2022 Russia–Ukraine war).
Why Ground Networks Become Economically Unviable
- Low Population Density – High infrastructure cost per user in rural/remote areas.
Example: Laying optical fiber in the Himalayas can cost 10–15 times more than in plains. - Geographical Barriers – Mountainous, desert, or forested areas pose challenges for tower placement.
- Vulnerability to Natural Disasters – Floods, earthquakes, and cyclones damage cables and towers.
- Temporary or Mobile Needs – Moving platforms like ships, aircraft, or remote oil rigs cannot rely on fixed networks.
Dual Nature of Satellite Internet
- Civil Applications – Internet for remote areas, telemedicine, agriculture, education, disaster management.
- Military Applications – Secure troop communications, drone operations, real-time battlefield coordination.
Example of dual-use:
- Positive – Indian Army uses satellite internet at Siachen Glacier for operational readiness.
- Negative – Smuggled Starlink devices found with insurgents in India, showing misuse potential.
Technical Working
A satellite internet system has two major components:
- Space Segment – Satellites in orbit carrying communication payloads.
- Ground Segment – User terminals (dishes, modems) and gateway stations connected to terrestrial internet.
Data flow process:
- User request → uplink to satellite → routed via inter-satellite links or ground stations → processed by terrestrial internet → response sent back via satellite → received by user terminal.
Three Main Satellite Orbits
| Orbit | Altitude | Coverage | Latency | Example | Pros | Cons |
| GEO (Geostationary) | 35,786 km | 1/3 of Earth | ~600 ms | Viasat GX | Wide coverage, stationary | High latency, unsuitable for real-time use |
| MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) | 2,000–35,786 km | Regional/global | ~150–200 ms | O3b mPOWER | Balance of coverage & latency | Still high cost, large satellites |
| LEO (Low Earth Orbit) | 500–2,000 km | Small footprint | ~20–40 ms | Starlink | Low latency, small satellites | Needs thousands for global coverage |
Mega-Constellations and Their Innovations
- Starlink has 7,000+ satellites, aiming for 42,000.
- Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISL) allow satellites to communicate directly without going through ground stations, enabling faster, global routing.
- On-board Processing makes satellites “smarter” — reducing the complexity and cost of user terminals.
Challenge: LEO satellites move at ~27,000 km/h, requiring seamless “handovers” between satellites to maintain a stable connection.
Cost Comparison
- Satellite Internet: ~$500 equipment + ~$50/month subscription (higher in remote areas).
- Terrestrial Broadband: Cheaper per GB in cities; far more expensive to deploy in remote areas due to infrastructure costs.
Applications
- Civilian – Remote schooling, telemedicine, e-governance, precision agriculture, smart tourism.
- Disaster Management – Communication backup during floods, earthquakes, cyclones.
- Transport & Logistics – Fleet tracking, autonomous vehicles, shipping navigation.
- Defence & Security – Secure communications, UAV control, intelligence sharing.
Security Concerns
- Borderless access can be exploited by insurgent groups or criminals.
- Dependence on foreign-operated constellations risks strategic autonomy.
- Possible interference with aviation and military radar systems.
India’s Preparedness
- Regulatory: DoT granting GMPCS licenses to OneWeb, Jio Satellite, Starlink.
- Infrastructure: ISRO developing its own satellite broadband initiatives.
- Policy Need: Clear framework for security, licensing, frequency allocation, and emergency control.
Way Forward
- Indigenous Capability – Develop domestic satellite constellations to reduce dependence on foreign operators.
- Balanced Regulation – Enable innovation while ensuring national security oversight.
- Public–Private Partnership – Encourage collaboration between ISRO, private firms, and global players.
- Digital Inclusion Programs – Integrate satellite internet into BharatNet Phase-III for rural broadband.
- Security Protocols – Mandatory registration and geofencing for user terminals to prevent misuse.
- International Engagement – Participate in global rules for space-based internet governance.
Conclusion
Satellite internet is not merely a backup to terrestrial networks — it is a strategic enabler for the digital economy, governance, and national security. Its dual-use nature demands balanced exploitation: harnessing its potential for inclusion and resilience while addressing its misuse risks.
For India, timely policy action, indigenous technology development, and proactive diplomacy will be critical to leveraging satellite internet as both an economic multiplier and a strategic asset.
UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. With reference to satellite internet technology, consider the following statements:
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites generally provide lower latency compared to Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites.
- GEO satellites orbit the Earth at around 36,000 km above the equator and appear stationary from the ground.
- LEO satellites require fewer satellites to provide global coverage than GEO satellites.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
UPSC Mains Practice Questions
Q1. Discuss the working mechanism of satellite internet and compare its advantages and challenges with terrestrial broadband networks. How can it contribute to bridging the digital divide in India?(15 marks, 250 words)
SOURCE- THE HINDU
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