Tag: Electric Propulsion
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Air-Breathing Plasma Thruster Targets Sustained Satellite Operations in Very Low Earth Orbit
An atmosphere-breathing plasma propulsion system developed at the University of Stuttgart could allow satellites to operate for extended periods in very low Earth orbit by collecting atmospheric particles and using them as propellant. Created by Francesco Romano as part of his doctoral research, the experimental system combines a high-efficiency intake with a contactless radio-frequency helicon…
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LINK Spacecraft Approaches Within 15 Kilometers of Swift but Cannot Complete Orbital Rescue
Katalyst Space’s LINK servicing spacecraft approached within 12 to 15 kilometers of NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory after aligning its orbit with the aging telescope, but an attitude-control problem prevented the vehicle from attempting the capture and orbital boost originally planned to extend Swift’s mission. NASA said on September 4 that LINK would make no…
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After the Rocket: How Electric Propulsion Moves Satellites
A successful rocket launch is followed by satellite separation. At this point, many people assume the mission is essentially complete: the rocket has delivered the satellite into space, and the satellite only needs to power on and begin operations. However, for many low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation missions, the orbit delivered by the rocket is…
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How Low Can Satellites Fly? New Opportunities in VLEO and the Companies Already Moving In
Very low Earth orbit, or VLEO, is not a new type of orbital geometry. It is simply the lower portion of low Earth orbit, where satellites fly closer to Earth and encounter a comparatively denser residual atmosphere. Commercial space companies are paying renewed attention to this regime for a straightforward reason: Earth observation satellites can…
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Kreios Space Targets 2028 VLEO Demonstration With NanoAvionics Satellite Bus
Spanish aerospace startup Kreios Space has selected Kongsberg NanoAvionics to provide the satellite platform for its first very low Earth orbit (VLEO) demonstration mission, which is targeted for launch in 2028. The mission will serve as the company’s first in-orbit test of its air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) technology, designed to enable satellites to operate for…
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China Launches 34-Member VLEO Alliance With 2 Satellites Below 300km
Is China Building a VLEO Constellation Program? China now has two satellites sustaining orbits below 300 kilometers simultaneously — and on June 27, 2026, formalized the industrial ecosystem behind that capability by launching a national Very Low Earth Orbit Technology Innovation and Industry Development Alliance, co-founded by 34 organizations, at a conference in Shenzhen attended…
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York Space Systems to Acquire Solar Cell Maker Solestial
York Space Systems has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Solestial as the company continues a broader strategy to strengthen control over key spacecraft technologies and supply chains. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition marks York’s third announced deal this year following its planned $355 million acquisition of satellite terminal manufacturer…
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Vast Expands Into Satellite Bus Market With High-Power Spacecraft Platform
Vast said it will enter the satellite bus market with a new high-power spacecraft platform aimed at commercial, Earth observation and national security missions. The company announced plans to offer a 15-kilowatt-class satellite bus designed for high-volume and lower-cost deployment across a range of orbital applications. Vast also said customers will have the option to…
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ENPULSION Raises €22.5 Million to Expand Electric Satellite Propulsion Business in the U.S.
Austrian space propulsion company ENPULSION has secured €22.5 million in new growth funding as it seeks to expand its presence in the United States and scale production of its satellite propulsion systems. The funding round, announced on March 3, was led by German investment firm Nordwind Growth. ENPULSION said the capital will be used to…
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Morpheus Space Secures $15 Million to Scale Satellite Propulsion Production
German space technology company Morpheus Space has raised $15 million in new funding to expand production of its in-space electric propulsion systems, as demand grows for maneuverable satellites in increasingly crowded orbits. The investment, announced Thursday, comes from Alpine Space Ventures, the European Investment Fund and other backers. Morpheus Space said the funds will be…