Environmental Data-transmission Using Low Earth Orbit Satellites

Abstract

Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOS) provide world-wide data-communication using lowcost and low-power equipment and allow to exploit also those regions, which up to now where inaccessible by cables, land-based wireless or geo-stationary (GEO) satellite systems. A detailed report of a hydro geological prototype implementation for remote waterquality monitoring using LEO satellites is presented. The paper describes the setup, obtained results, conclusions and future aspects as well as costs. As a result, LEO satellite data transmission has proved as a ubiquitous reliable low-cost alternative for environmental low-volume data-transmission, allowing “near on-line” worldwide monitoring even from most exposed and inaccessible measurement sites.