Story perspectives

Penn State Develops Thruster to Unlock Very Low Earth Orbit

1/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) is explored to ease overcrowding in Low Earth Orbit, where about 15,000 satellites operate.
VLEO lies 60 to 250 miles above Earth and offers higher-resolution images and faster communications.
Atmospheric drag is a significant obstacle for sustained VLEO operations.
Penn State researchers are developing an air-breathing microwave plasma thruster using atmospheric propulsion.
U.S. Department of Defense partnership and other teams explore thruster technologies to enable VLEO.

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Story summary

Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) is explored to ease overcrowding in Low Earth Orbit, where about 15,000 satellites operate.
VLEO lies 60 to 250 miles above Earth and offers higher-resolution images and faster communications.
Atmospheric drag is a significant obstacle for sustained VLEO operations.
Penn State researchers are developing an air-breathing microwave plasma thruster using atmospheric propulsion.
U.S. Department of Defense partnership and other teams explore thruster technologies to enable VLEO.