What's Happening?
The concept of Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellites is gaining traction as a potential solution to the growing issue of orbital congestion. Unlike traditional satellites, which operate at higher altitudes with negligible atmospheric drag, VLEO satellites experience
significant drag, requiring constant propulsion to maintain their orbits. This characteristic makes them self-cleaning, as they will naturally deorbit and burn up if propulsion fails. The European Space Agency's GOCE mission and Japan's JAXA SLATS mission have demonstrated the feasibility of operating satellites at these low altitudes. These missions highlight the potential for VLEO satellites to provide lower latency communication and reduce long-term space debris.
Why It's Important?
As the number of satellites in orbit increases, the risk of collisions and space debris becomes a significant concern. VLEO satellites offer a promising solution by naturally deorbiting, thus reducing the potential for long-term debris. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances communication capabilities due to their lower altitude. The development of VLEO technology could lead to more sustainable satellite operations, benefiting both commercial and governmental space endeavors. The potential for air-breathing electric propulsion systems further enhances the viability of VLEO satellites, offering a new frontier in satellite design and operation.
What's Next?
The future of VLEO satellites depends on continued research and development, particularly in propulsion technologies. Agencies like DARPA and ESA are investing in studies to explore air-breathing electric propulsion systems, which could enable satellites to maintain VLEO indefinitely. As these technologies mature, test flights and operational deployments will be critical to demonstrating their practicality. If successful, VLEO satellites could become a standard platform for satellite constellations, alleviating orbital congestion and enhancing global communication networks.
