, a satellite communications operator, is able to cover the planet with just 75 satellites, though its voice and text call services have far lower bandwidth requirements than full-blown internet connections.
The proposed best practices are divided into four stages: Design Time , Pre-Launch and Early Orbit , On Orbit , and Satellite Disposal . Each stage has a number of key practices that satellite operators should ideally abide by. For Pre-Launch and Early Orbit, the guidelines are mostly concerned with making sure other space operators know what you’re doing, and not accidentally crashing into another orbiting satellite—or worse, a manned spacecraft. The three suggested practices are: Tell other space operators and the global community your launch strategy well in advance, make sure you don’t go anywhere near “crewed assets,” and work with a “cataloguing” organization to track your launch and early orbit.