The Next Space Frontier May Be Just 100 km Above Earth, Not the Moon or Mars

As low Earth orbit becomes crowded, very low Earth orbit satellites are emerging as a promising alternative. Operating closer to Earth, they offer faster communication, sharper imaging, and better weather data. Advances in propulsion are helping overcome atmospheric drag, opening the door to wider use of this challenging but valuable orbital region.As low Earth orbit becomes crowded, very low Earth orbit satellites are emerging as a promising alternative. Operating closer to Earth, they offer faster communication, sharper imaging, and better weather data. Advances in propulsion are helping overcome atmospheric drag, opening the door to wider use of this challenging but valuable orbital region.