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by derekp7 4372 days ago
What you're describing is essentially a data version what the Iridium network provides. Iridium is a constellation of 66 satellites at 450 miles up. Unfortunately, when Iridium was launched, forward thinking wasn't part of the plan -- data is stuck at around ancient dialup modem speeds.

There were plans for similar services, such as Teledesic, which went nowhere. I guess that enough land-based internet covers the majority of the target market, so there isn't enough market left over to justify the cost of a high speed satellite data provider. Remember, in LEO orbit, the satellites have to be replaced after about 5 years or so (atmospheric drag, and they run out of booster fuel).

Lower cost to launch via Space-x reusable rockets may change the cost equations though.

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Solar powered boosters and spaceodynamic lifting bodies.