The world’s population and landmass are both weighted heavily to the northern hemisphere (see graph).    Ellipso™ matches our network design to the world’s population distribution.  As virtually no one lives below 50 degrees South latitude, we don’t cover it.  Instead, most people are north of the equator, where our capacity is most concentrated. 

We do this by using two complementary and coordinated constellations of satellites, Borealis™ and Concordia™.   Our satellites are deployed in phases:  with 4 satellites, then 3 more deployed into our “Concordia” equatorial orbit, which covers 50 degrees South latitude to 50 degrees North latitude, roughly 3/4 of the world’s population.  We then add in two elliptical orbital planes of 5 satellites each (Borealis) to add capacity and complete coverage above 50 degrees North.  Each constellation has been carefully conceived to complement the other, so as together to offer the most effective and efficient solution to worldwide coverage  (See figure).

Ellipso™ satellites operate at MEO altitudes. This enables each satellite to “see” a much larger area than do low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, significantly reducing the number of ground stations the Ellipso™ system requires.  Our initial 12 gateways will be deployed in phases to match our satellites.  We will add additional gateways on an as-needed basis.