// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
VLEO
Stands for Very Low Earth Orbit, referring to orbits typically below 450 kilometers, which are closer to Earth than traditional LEO.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
VLEO, or Very Low Earth Orbit, designates an orbital regime typically below 450 km altitude, characterized by increased atmospheric drag requiring active propulsion or drag compensation, offering advantages such as reduced latency, higher resolution imaging, and potential for natural deorbiting, but posing engineering challenges for spacecraft design.
BACKGROUND
Very low Earth orbit (VLEO) is a range of geocentric orbits with lowest altitudes below 400 km (250 mi). It is of increasing commercial importance in a variety of scenarios and for multiple applications, in both private and government satellite operations. Applications include Earth observation, telecommunications, and rural internet access among others.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Sub-LEO
- ultra-low orbit
- atmospheric orbit
USAGE NOTE
VLEO is gaining interest for satellite constellations due to its potential for lower latency and smaller, cheaper satellites.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to VLEO.
A joint venture between Thales and Leonardo, actively involved in developing satellite technologies for various orbits, including Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) applications like the Skimsat project, which explores sub-500 km altitudes for enhanced imaging and reduced latency.
A division of Airbus, leading in space systems and services. They are researching and developing technologies for VLEO, including advanced propulsion systems, drag compensation, and materials resistant to atomic oxygen for sustainable satellite operations at very low altitudes.
A world-leading small satellite manufacturer, SSTL is engaged in research and development for VLEO missions, exploring concepts and technologies for compact, cost-effective satellites operating at extremely low altitudes for enhanced Earth observation and communications.
As a major intergovernmental organization, ESA funds and coordinates numerous research and development programs related to VLEO, including projects like DISCOVERER, which aims to demonstrate the benefits and technologies required for sustainable VLEO missions.
Japan's national aerospace agency, JAXA conducts extensive research on VLEO technologies, focusing on atmospheric drag effects, propulsion systems for orbit maintenance, and material science to enable longer mission durations for satellites in very low orbits.
A multinational ceramics and electronics manufacturer, Kyocera develops advanced materials, including those resistant to atomic oxygen, which are crucial for the longevity and reliability of satellite components operating in the harsh environment of Very Low Earth Orbit.
A leading research institute in optics and photonics, Fraunhofer IOF contributes to VLEO technology development through innovations in optical systems, sensors, and lightweight structures, which are critical for high-resolution imaging and communication from very low orbits.