https://spacewatch.global/tag/vleo/ AN INDEPENDENT PERSPECTIVE ON SPACE Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:11:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://spacewatch.global/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SpaceWatchGlobal-Sign-90x90.png https://spacewatch.global/tag/vleo/ 32 32 https://spacewatch.global/2026/08/kongsberg-nanoavionics-bus-tapped-for-kreios-spaces-vleo-orbital-demonstrator/ Wed, 05 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=76182 Kongsberg NanoAvionics will supply a modified MP42 microsatellite bus for Kreios Space's Very Low Earth Orbit demonstrator, the first orbital test of an air-breathing electric propulsion system. CEO Atle Wøllo told SpaceWatch.Global how the platform's attitude control and mass properties are being reworked to survive aerodynamic torques at altitudes between 150 and 300 km.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/01/spacewatchgl-opinion-next-generation-uk-milsatcom-capability/ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=70736
Written by John Yates
The United Kingdom’s (UK) Skynet 6 satellites are obsolete before they have even been launched. So, what should the next generation of British Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) satellites look like? The four Skynet 5 satellites were launched into Geostationary Orbit (GEO) between 2007 and 2012. Assuming a typical design life of 15 years, the first would have exceeded its design life from 2022 and the remainder from 2027, to be replaced by the Skynet 6 satellites. Commercial satellites often remain in use beyond their design life, but that is not a desirable scenario for satellites used in potentially critical situations, such as MILSATCOM.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2025/08/space-cafe-radio-with-prof-rene-laufer/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=67250 In this captivating episode of our Space Cafe Radio, recorded live in Berlin, host Torsten Kriening sits down with Professor René Laufer, Head of Space Systems at the Lulea University of Technology. They discuss the significance of Very Low Earth Orbits (VLEO), exploring whether it is a game-changer or just orbital optimism. ]]> https://spacewatch.global/2022/12/hypernova-to-demonstrate-electric-propulsion-technology-aboard-endurosats-platform/ Wed, 14 Dec 2022 07:00:13 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=45488 Space application technologies provider Hypernova, will validate its plasma electric propulsion system in orbit, aboard space data services provider, EnduroSat’s Platform-2, EnduroSat said. The launch is scheduled for 27th December on SpaceX's Falcon 9 Transporter-6 mission. ]]>