OrbiNet: The Birth of a National Connection
Eight months ago, after the successful deployment of three satellites into Low Planetary Orbit, a fourth satellite was launched. “Connaissance” - It was a unique exploratory model, equipped with stronger propulsion systems and specialized atmospheric research equipment. Its mission: to probe the conditions of Medium Planetary Orbit.
The scientists and engineers behind the project waited anxiously for the satellite to establish communication with the command center…but nothing came. Silence. Not even a response to manual override commands sent toward Connaissance.
Silence in the Command Center
The “Connaissance” operation command cycled through protocol after protocol for long, tense hours. Baronet Jean-Loup Baume remained outwardly composed, though it was clear the tension was getting him down. The procedures had already been repeated twice by nightfall when the military attaché to the naval forces broke radio silence.
"Baronet Baume. During patrol, unit A22 observed a disc in the ocean. Upon inspection via drone, we confirmed it's your satellite. It had fallen onto a coral reef and was recovered onto the beach. I’ve sent you a fax with the coordinates for retrieval."
She ended the transmission before Jean-Loup could even respond.
He was stunned. Why had the satellite barrier shifted so suddenly from low to medium orbit? It made no sense. None at all. They were still completely locked to this planet. No higher access. No orbital relay.
“Well" he muttered “when faced with an existential crisis, there’s only one proper response: ask why we’re only now receiving a reply.”
The Concept of OrbiNet - How to Connect a Country, Quickly
OrbiNet was conceived as a simple yet robust system, designed to make the most of extremely limited resources. Due to its reliance on Low Planetary Orbit, where satellites circle the planet every 90–120 minutes, maintaining continuous communication requires rapid and efficient satellite handoffs.
To manage this, wide-angle tracking antennas were developed. These large, motorized dishes can physically shift position to follow satellites as they pass overhead. Each satellite remains in range for roughly 5 to 10 minutes per pass, during which data transfer must be maximized. These contact windows are short, but crucial.
At the regional level, each antenna connects to an Edge Computing and Compression Center (ECCC). These centers perform real-time data processing at the network edge. By compressing incoming and outgoing traffic, they drastically reduce payload size before it ever hits the national backbone. Local caching and AI predictive models further reduce latency and optimize responsiveness.
Smaller, decentralized modules- urban edge nodes - exist throughout the cities, enabling faster, more stable access for localized users.
These then feed into centralized Data Centers, where the bulk of national data is stored, analyzed, and routed—whether for institutions, government agencies, or individual citizens.
Finally, at the bottom of the chain: routers, distributing access directly to users.
The raw throughput of each satellite is approximately 100 Mbps per satellite pass. Due to the system's architecture and orbital constraints, OrbiNet does not offer always-on internet. Instead, access is intermittent.
