Fewer low-orbit satellites needed for global coverage, by enabling each to manage many instead of one user at a time

https://techxplore.com/news/2024-09-method-decrease-satellites-global-coverage.html

"split transmissions from single antenna array into multiple beams precisely where needed, without additional hardware... huge reduction in cost, power consumption... satellite network of 75 covering US reduced to maybe 16... can put in existing satellites but better if new, simpler satellite... less space congestion, debris"