VLEO Satellites: Inside the New Space Race

The VLEO satellite market is poised for substantial growth as technological advancements continue to address the challenges associated with this orbital range. The demand for high-resolution imagery, low-latency communications and frequent Earth observation is driving investments and innovations in VLEO satellite technologies. Companies and research institutions are developing new materials, propulsion systems and miniaturised components to enhance the durability and efficiency of VLEO satellites.

With this, we forecast that the total number of VLEO satellite launches will rise from 16 in 2024 to just over 620 by 2030. While these launches by 2030 may seem relatively low compared to the anticipated 23,700 LEO launches in the same year, the rise of commercial space ventures and the decreasing cost of satellite launches are contributing to the expansion of the VLEO satellite market. As access to space becomes more affordable and technologies advance, we expect the deployment of VLEO satellites to increase; providing unprecedented capabilities for a wide range of applications.

VLEO satellites represent a promising frontier in satellite technology; offering significant advantages in imaging resolution, communication latency and operational efficiency. As the market continues to evolve, we anticipate that VLEO satellites will play a critical role in the next generation of space-based services and applications, such as Earth observation, space-based solar energy and communications.

Source: Global VLEO Satellites Market 2024-2030

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