The space race is no longer just a distant pursuit—it’s unfolding just above the Earth’s atmosphere. A new class of satellites is emerging, designed to operate in the very edge of space, and companies are racing to conquer this untapped region. Known as Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), this new frontier presents significant challenges and opportunities, offering everything from high-resolution Earth imaging to revolutionary communication services. Let’s dive into the groundbreaking developments taking place in this exciting new space race.

What is Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO)?

Most satellites today operate in orbits far higher than VLEO, with the International Space Station (ISS) sitting at about 250 miles (400km) above the Earth. However, VLEO lies much closer—typically between 60 and 100 miles (100-160 km). Satellites at these altitudes face unique challenges because of the thickening atmosphere and increased drag. Unlike satellites in higher orbits, which can last for years, satellites in VLEO would only survive for a few weeks or months due to atmospheric friction. However, that may soon change.

Credits: the engineer

The Promise of Endless Orbit

One of the most exciting prospects of VLEO satellites is their potential to fly indefinitely. Companies are now experimenting with technology that could enable satellites to harvest the air around them and turn it into propellant. This new technology, known as Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP), would allow satellites to generate thrust by ionizing atmospheric molecules and using them as fuel, potentially enabling them to remain in orbit indefinitely. This could revolutionize satellite design and eliminate the need for frequent repositioning or fuel replenishment.

Technological Innovations and Challenges

Operating in VLEO presents significant technical challenges. The main obstacle is the intense drag from the atmosphere at such low altitudes. Satellites in this region must be engineered to minimize this drag to avoid being pulled out of orbit. This requires sleek, aerodynamic designs and advanced propulsion systems. The European Space Agency’s GOCE satellite, which orbited in VLEO from 2009 to 2013, demonstrated the kind of design required to stay operational at these low altitudes. It used an ion propulsion system to counteract the drag and maintain its orbit.

Today, several companies, including Stellar Advanced Concepts and Kreios Space, are developing ABEP systems. These companies are aiming to launch satellites that can stay in VLEO for extended periods, performing tasks such as Earth observation or communications. One of the key goals is to launch these satellites by 2027, with various prototypes and experimental designs already under development.

Potential Applications of VLEO Satellites

The implications of VLEO technology extend far beyond just maintaining satellites in orbit. There are a wide range of potential applications that could revolutionize industries. For instance, satellites in VLEO would be able to capture extremely high-resolution images of the Earth, which would be valuable for both military and civilian purposes, such as monitoring agriculture, tracking wildfires, and conducting environmental research.

Credits: space

Another significant advantage of VLEO is the potential for improved satellite communications. Space internet services like SpaceX’s Starlink, which currently operate from higher altitudes, could see a leap in efficiency with the deployment of satellites in VLEO. These satellites would be able to communicate directly with cell phones, potentially transforming the accessibility and speed of global internet services.

The Race for the Future

As the technology for VLEO satellites evolves, there’s increasing competition among companies and countries to lead the way. The US Department of Defense has already invested millions of dollars to help develop air-breathing satellite technology, and companies like Redwire and the European Space Agency are forging ahead with their own projects. The space industry is buzzing with excitement over the potential applications of VLEO, and with a projected market for these systems, the race to dominate this space is well underway.

In conclusion, the race to VLEO is one of the most exciting frontiers in modern space exploration. With the promise of continuous orbit, groundbreaking Earth imaging, and revolutionary communication capabilities, the future of satellite technology is being redefined. As companies continue to innovate and develop new solutions to overcome the challenges of VLEO, we are likely to see a transformation in how we explore and interact with space. The era of endless orbit may soon be upon us.