G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
A new space race is unfolding in the lowest reaches of Earth's orbit, where companies and researchers are working to develop a new class of satellites that can operate in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). This region, lying below the International Space Station (ISS) at altitudes between 60 and 250 miles (100 to 400 km), presents unique challenges due to the presence of atmospheric drag. However, if successfully harnessed, VLEO satellites could revolutionize Earth observation, communications, and space technology.
VLEO satellites operate in a precarious balance between atmospheric resistance and orbital velocity. Unlike traditional satellites that orbit higher up for longevity, VLEO satellites experience significant atmospheric drag, requiring innovative propulsion systems to maintain their orbits. Recent advancements in Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) technology offer a potential solution, allowing satellites to capture atmospheric molecules and convert them into plasma for continuous thrust. This breakthrough could enable satellites to remain in orbit indefinitely, counteracting drag without relying on stored propellant.
Several companies and government agencies are investing in VLEO technology, recognizing its potential for ultra-high-resolution imaging and enhanced communication systems. Being closer to Earth allows satellites to capture more detailed images, making them valuable for applications such as military surveillance, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. Additionally, VLEO satellites could improve global internet coverage by enabling direct-to-mobile connectivity, reducing latency, and enhancing network efficiency. Tech giants and defense organizations are closely monitoring developments in this space, with the US Department of Defense already committing significant funding to air-breathing propulsion research.
One of the key challenges in VLEO operations is atmospheric variability. Solar activity can cause fluctuations in Earth's atmospheric density, leading to unpredictable drag forces on satellites. This was demonstrated in 2022 when a geomagnetic storm caused a fleet of newly launched SpaceX Starlink satellites to experience increased drag, pulling them back to Earth. As a result, VLEO missions will require real-time space weather monitoring and adaptive propulsion systems to counteract these fluctuations effectively.
Despite these challenges, the advantages of VLEO satellites are significant. Traditional satellite constellations face growing concerns over space debris accumulation in higher orbits. VLEO, however, is considered a self-cleaning environment, as defunct satellites naturally re-enter the atmosphere and burn up. While this minimizes long-term space junk, experts caution that satellite debris from collisions or failed missions could still be propelled into higher orbits, posing risks to existing space infrastructure.
Leading aerospace firms such as Redwire, Kreios Space, and Stellar Advanced Concepts are developing prototype VLEO satellites, with planned launches within the next few years. The European Space Agency (ESA) is also exploring VLEO through its Skimsat project, focusing on aerodynamic designs to minimize drag. Industry analysts estimate that the global market for VLEO satellite services could reach $15 billion by 2032, driven by advancements in propulsion, imaging, and communications technology.
As competition intensifies, the race to master VLEO represents a crucial step in the evolution of space technology. Companies that successfully develop sustainable propulsion systems and efficient satellite designs will gain a competitive advantage in this emerging sector. With significant investments and breakthroughs on the horizon, VLEO could soon become the next frontier for commercial and scientific space applications, ushering in a new era of low-altitude satellite operations.
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