[tasuki]

Why is there such a sudden drop off in satellite density over 53°N ?

[supertrope]

Satellites launched in a polar orbit only cover polar areas. It's more cost effective to design orbits with more area and customers under them.

[GuB-42]

Polar orbits cover the entire Earth, like all other low orbits, in fact, they cover more than any other orbit. And there are people up there: all of Northern Europe and Alaska, and most of the UK, Russia and Canada.

I am sure there is a good reason, but it surprised me too. I expected more polar orbits, like Iridium.

[ianburrell]

Most of the population lives below 53 deg. It makes sense to put the satellites there instead of having them bunch up near the poles. They also have 70 deg planes that cover most population centers. In future, they are planning planes at 42 and 48 deg that can better cover lower latitudes.

[mh-]

Canadian customs.