Geosynchronous satellites are so distant that their images aren't sharp, while low-earth orbit satellites, which fly as low as 100 miles, can feed information only when they pass over an area of interest.

FORBES: Companies, People, Ideas

Virgina-based Iridium is almost halfway through a multi-year plan to replace its low-earth orbit network of communication satellites with a powerful new generation.

FORBES: Iridium Preps Its NEXT Generation Of Satellites

It was also keen on a proposal to use Virgin's White Knight launch system to put satellites into low Earth orbit.

ECONOMIST: Space

This is opening new opportunities for even high school students and hobbyists to launch satellites into low earth orbit and dream of going there themselves.

FORBES: Private Space Transportation Reaching New Heights

This meant relying on unproven and complex technology and launching dozens of satellites into low-earth orbit.

ECONOMIST: Telecoms