What is Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO)?
Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) refers to the region of Earth’s orbit located at altitudes roughly ranging from 160 to 200 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. Orbits in this range are situated below Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which typically extends up to about 2,000 kilometers. VLEO is characterized by high atmospheric drag due to the remnants of Earth’s atmosphere at these altitudes. Satellites and other objects in VLEO must contend with significant resistance, which generally requires additional fuel for station-keeping maneuvers to maintain orbit.
Relevance to the Space Economy
Commercial Advantages
Reduced Launch Costs: Launching satellites to VLEO requires less energy compared to higher orbits, which can translate to lower launch costs. This is particularly important for small satellite operators and new entrants in the space industry who are cost-sensitive.
High-Resolution Imaging: VLEO is advantageous for Earth observation and remote sensing applications that require high-resolution imaging. The closer proximity to Earth allows for more detailed data collection.
Low-Latency Communications: Although not as commonly used for communication satellites due to its proximity to Earth and atmospheric interference, VLEO could offer extremely low-latency connections for specialized applications.
Scientific Research
Space Environment Studies: VLEO provides a unique environment for studying the Earth’s upper atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere. Data from this region can help researchers understand climate change, weather patterns, and atmospheric phenomena.
Material Science: Experiments in VLEO can offer insights into material behavior in a vacuum and microgravity, potentially leading to advancements in manufacturing and materials science.
Challenges
Orbital Decay and Reentry: Due to atmospheric drag, satellites in VLEO have a relatively short operational lifespan unless they are equipped with propulsion systems for station-keeping, which can add to operational costs.
Economic Stimulus
Job Creation: The potential for new missions and applications in VLEO can stimulate job growth in the aerospace sector, from engineering to data analysis.
Market Expansion: Lower costs and new scientific capabilities may attract more players into the space industry, expanding the market and fostering innovation.
Summary
Very Low Earth Orbit presents a set of unique advantages and challenges that are increasingly being considered in the context of the growing space economy. While the lower costs and potential for high-resolution imaging and research are attractive, the technical hurdles such as atmospheric drag and risk of collision with space debris are important considerations. Overall, VLEO is an emergent part of the broader space industry, offering both commercial and scientific opportunities.
