SatNow | NewOrbit Space Advances NEO-1 Very-Low Orbit Demonstration Mission
2026-01-29
Recently NewOrbit was featured by the editors of SatNow.
The article takes a closer look at NEO-1, our mission, and VLEO operations. Here's a quick preview of the feature,
Unlocking Sustainable Operations Below 300 km
Historically, orbits below 300 km have been considered impractical for long-duration missions due to rapid orbital decay. Satellites operating at these altitudes typically experience lifetimes measured in weeks or months unless continuous station-keeping is performed.
NewOrbit’s NEO-1 platform is engineered specifically to address these challenges through:
- High-efficiency electric propulsion optimized for drag compensation
- Aerodynamically stable spacecraft architecture
- Atomic oxygen-resistant materials and surface treatments
- Very-low-orbit-specific attitude determination and control modes
By combining propulsion efficiency with structural and systems-level design tailored to ULEO, NEO-1 aims to demonstrate controlled descent, station-keeping, and sustained operation in this previously underutilized orbital band.
A Dedicated Ultra-Low Orbit Satellite Platform
Unlike traditional LEO satellites adapted for lower altitudes, the NEO platform has been designed from the ground up for VLEO operations. The spacecraft integrates:
- A high-specific-impulse RF ion propulsion system (stored-propellant configuration)
- Redundant propulsion architecture for operational resilience
- Advanced thermal management to accommodate higher drag heating
- Aerodynamic mass distribution for passive stability
- ADCS systems adapted for elevated aerodynamic torque environments
The satellite is compatible with standard LEO launch vehicles and performs a controlled orbital transfer from deployment altitude down to its operational regime.