↗️ VLEO Set to Surge 1,382%?!?! | Nov 15, 2022

According to America’s #1 disruptive technology expert, Lou Basenese… [Golden Gate Marketers]( Sometimes, colleagues of Golden Gate Marketers share special offers with us that we think our readers should be made aware of. Below is one such special opportunity that we believe deserves your attention. Write these letters down: V L E O According to America’s #1 disruptive technology expert, Lou Basenese… VLEO could be the most important investment of the next decade. [V L E O]( And it’s set to hit a “tipping point” on January 1, 2023... [Click here now for the full details on VLEO.]( VLEO enables sharper resolution and speedier communications but atmospheric drag poses a challenge SAN FRANCISCO — Skeyeon CEO Ron Reedy knew flying satellites at low altitudes could slash the cost of a constellation. He didn’t know if there were any showstoppers. “I asked the team to prove it would not work, which is kind of backwards for an entrepreneur,” Reedy said. “After more than a year, they said, ‘Not only can’t we prove it won’t work, we think we proved it will work.’” That was 2017. Since then, San Diego-based Skeyeon (pronounced sky-on) has been developing and testing key components for a constellation of small satellites to provide high-resolution daily Earth imagery from an altitude of about 250 kilometers. Ron Reedy, CEO of Skeyeon. Credit: Skeyeon Skeyeon isn’t alone in identifying the promise of orbits far below traditional Earth-imaging satellites. San Francisco-based Earth Observant and Albedo of Austin, Texas, also are raising money to send satellites to very low Earth orbit (VLEO). Meanwhile, the European Union devoted 5.7 million euros ($6.7 million) to Discoverer, a Horizon 2020 research program aimed at a “radical redesign” of Earth observation satellites for low-altitude operations. Why all the interest in VLEO? Satellite costs often rise with their altitude. Moving close to an object of interest cuts the cost of telescope optics. Traveling close to ground stations reduces demand for radio power, cutting into requirements for large solar panels. For communications missions, lower orbits mean lower-latency data transfer. Plus, VLEO exposes satellites to less radiation, clearing the way for more off-the-shelf spacecraft components. “None of this is easy, but the payback is potentially very significant if you can get these ideas to work,” said Peter Roberts, Discoverer scientific coordinator and the University of Manchester Aerospace Research Institute space theme lead. Decreasing a satellite’s altitude from 650 kilometers to 160 kilometers leads “to a 64x reduction in radar RF power, 16x reduction in communications RF power and 4x reduction in optical aperture diameter to achieve the same performance,” Thales Alenia Space explained in a 2016 paper on Skimsats, the small satellites the French-Italian company designed for VLEO. “To get higher resolution and still play in a smallsat world, your only option is to go lower,” said Scott Herman, Cognitive Space CEO and former BlackSky chief technology officer. Preliminary design for Skeyeon Near Earth orbiter, a satellite designed to obtain imagery with a resolution of one meter per pixel from an altitude of 250 kilometers. Credit: Skeyeon NEED A BOOST? Of course, there are challenges associated with VLEO. Below an altitude of 450 kilometers, atmospheric drag will shorten a satellite’s lifespan unless onboard propulsion or an external force boosts it higher. (Cargo vehicles and onboard thrusters help the International Space Station, which resides around 400 kilometers, maintain its altitude.) VLEO satellites have been flown before. The European Space Agency’s Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer spacecraft, called GOCE, remained at altitudes of 240-280 kilometers from 2009 to 2013 with the help of xenon-fueled electric thrusters. Xenon also powered the electric thrusters that kept the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Super Low Altitude Test Satellite (SLATS) at an altitude of about 200 kilometers from 2017 to 2019. Fortunately for small companies focused on VLEO, a variety of new lightweight electric thrusters are proving themselves in laboratories and on orbit. In addition, Germany’s University of Stuttgart Institute of Space Systems has Discoverer funding to test key technologies for Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion, a thruster that turns atmospheric particles into propellant for VLEO satellites. And atmospheric drag isn’t all bad. It limits debris in VLEO and ensures satellites quickly reenter Earth’s atmosphere when they are no longer useful. Artist’s concept of Thales Alenia Space Skimsat, a satellite designed to operate in VLEO. Credit: Thales Alenia Space NOT YOUR FATHER’S SATELLITE Unlike boxy satellites popular for higher orbits, VLEO satellites may be cylindrical or pointed like an arrowhead to reduce atmospheric drag. The Aerospace Corp. sees VLEO as a promising application for DiskSat, a satellite shaped like a plate with onboard thrusters to keep it upright. As part of a DiskSat demonstration, Aerospace plans to perform sustained operations at altitudes as low as 250 kilometers, said Richard Welle, Aerospace Corp. senior scientist for Mission Systems Engineering. Materials science also comes into play. University of Manchester researchers are testing materials to reduce drag on the ground in their Rarefied Orbital Aerodynamics Research facility and in orbit onboard Satellite for Orbital Aerodynamics Research (SOAR), a Discoverer-funded cubesat deployed from ISS in June. SOAR is equipped with a spectrometer to measure atmospheric density and composition, and wind velocity. The three-unit cubesat also has fins that act like aircraft flight control surfaces. “We’re interested in using control surfaces to perform some aerodynamic control maneuvers,” said Nicholas Crisp, Discoverer fellow in orbital aerodynamics and University of Manchester lecturer. “You might put different appendages on satellites to generate aerodynamic torques.” Whatever materials limit drag also must prove resilient to high levels of atomic oxygen in VLEO. An instrument onboard JAXA’s 400-kilogram SLATS measured atomic oxygen and monitored its effect on sample materials. Similar research is continuing in laboratories around the world. “At one point, atomic oxygen looked like the killer problem,” Reedy said. However, Skeyeon later identified promising sample materials in a dedicated atomic oxygen test facility, which the company is now trying out on an exterior ISS platform. Simulated 10-centimeter-per-pixel image to show the resolution of Albedo’s future constellation. Credit: Albedo CUTTING COSTS Satellite constellation operators are well aware of the benefits of VLEO. Planet lowered the altitude of Earth-observation SkySats from 500 kilometers to 450 kilometers in 2019 to improve the resolution of SkySat imagery. SpaceX revealed plans to send some 7,500 Starlink satellites to altitudes between 335 and 346 kilometers under a plan approved in 2018 by the Federal Communications Commission. For future constellations, VLEO promises cost savings. “It turns out altitude is a tremendous determining factor to cost,” Reedy said. “And cost is the determining factor for the numbers of satellites that you can put up.” At $200,000 to $300,000 per satellite, a 100-satellite constellation to gather daily global imagery with a resolution of one meter per pixel would cost $20 million to $30 million. Founders of Albedo, a startup focused on capturing Earth imagery with a resolution of 10 centimeters per pixel. Credit: Albedo “It’s incredibly low cost, if that would get us daily re-imaging at one meter resolution for three years,” Reedy said. Earth Observant is developing a VLEO Earth-imaging satellite with a 2020 U.S. Air Force Small Business Innovation Research contract. The contract funds work on a satellite capable of collecting 25-centimeter-resolution imagery and transferring data “directly to the warfighter” in minutes, according to an abstract posted on the SBIR.gov website. “VLEO can enable Earth observation at a fraction of the cost,” said Christopher Thein, Earth Observant co-founder and CEO. “There’s huge potential because people want higher-resolution data.” Albedo CEO Topher Haddad wasn’t focused on VLEO until he started looking for a way to obtain Earth imagery with a resolution of 10 centimeters per pixel. The first step was figuring out “how low can we fly,” Haddad said. Haddad isn’t ready to share the answer, but the startup has raised $10 million for a constellation of refrigerator-size satellites to gather electro-optical imagery with 10-centimeter resolution and thermal imagery with two-meter resolution. MOVING THE MINDSET Companies like Airbus Defence and Space, BlackSky, Capella Space, Iceye, Maxar Technologies, Planet and Satellogic already collect extensive Earth imagery with satellites in traditional low-Earth and geostationary orbits. Still, the current market doesn’t satisfy everyone. A rancher who contacted Skeyeon, for example, was unable to find affordable, daily one-meter-resolution imagery showing his cattle gathering at dozens of watering holes. New VLEO constellations may fill that type of new niche if they succeed in raising money for new constellations and tackling the various technological challenges. “A lot of the issue with very low Earth orbit generally is moving the mindset of people who are more conventional in terms of low-Earth orbit satellites and proving there are definite benefits here and the problems aren’t insurmountable,” Roberts said. This article appears in the October 2021 issue of SpaceNews magazine. VLEO for Telecommunications - Very Low Earth Orbits (VLEO) for Satellite Communications ARTES FPE Category Next generation of systems Future Preparation Status Completed Status date 2021-03-19 Activity Code 1B.127 Objectives This activity investigated the possible telecommunication services and applications that could be offered from Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), taken to be altitude below 300km in altitude where atmospheric drag becomes a dominant satellite design consideration. After selection of the most promising services and applications, a system study was performed and system requirements for the satellite communication systems that could offer the identified services were derived. The activity outcome was to understand the potential viability and benefits of future VLEO telecommunications missions, and to propose the subsequent technological developments needed to enable the use of VLEO systems for satellite communications. Challenges A key aspect of the project was to examine 8 different applications for their technical and financial challenges. These included underground communications, smart data relays, high speed internet access to fixed terminals, high speed internet access to mobile terminals, super store and forward, critical-type communications, quantum key distribution and aircraft communications. There was a specific emphasis on understanding the impact on the satellite platform (and hence payload) when operating in VLEO, taking into account propulsion trade-offs or aerodynamic drag requirements combined with accommodation requirement for antenna, solar panel or other appendices. In addition, an understanding of the environmental effects of radiation, atomic oxygen and electrical charging and therefore the impact on the lifetime of the satellite was developed. Finally, the activity addressed the launch, deployment and orbital maintenance aspects of such systems in VLEO. Benefits A significant reduction in size, power consumption and mass of a satellite, as well as reduced communications latency are possible for satellites in Very Low Earth Orbit. Advantages, such as lower signal path-loss and smaller beam diameters projected on the ground also make VLEO satellites attractive for telecommunications applications. Together, these enable high frequency telecom payloads that are capable of supporting a data rate of several Gigabit per second, whilst consuming only a few Watts of power. Features This study describes work by Thales Alenia Space UK, France and the UK Space Catapult to select an attractive telecommunications application for VLEO (Very Low Earth Orbit) satellites. Through a rigorous trade process comparing 8 different applications, 5G internet access direct to handset was selected as a financially compelling prospect for a VLEO constellation. This work develops a viable conceptual design of the payload and platform for the satellites in the constellation. Despite the harsh environment of VLEO, it was found to be financially and technically possible to build, launch and operate a constellation to provide this key service. The study has examined payload design, platform design, constellation and deployment aspects and costing and there have been no obvious showstoppers for this concept. It is hoped that future space industry will be able to learn from the various aspects examined in order to inform their studies. VLEO offers an attractive link budget, a reduced radiation environment (and therefore the possibility for COTS components) and lower latency which enables C band operation with Time Division Duplexing. All of these elements contribute to making it an interesting prospect with exciting commercial possibilities. System Architecture A constellation was selected which will provide good coverage between latitudes of ±55° (as these latitudes cover >95% of the Earth’s population). This consisted of 33 planes of 70 satellites each inclined at 55° which will cover a large number of potential users, with extended service in northern highly populated areas. The constellation will be able to provide an average 3.8Mbps downlink data rate per beam to a conventional mobile phone handset, with each satellite supporting 320 beams. The flexibility of the payload allows this rate to be increased if not all beams are in use. Plan The project was a 12 month project from the kickoff to the end of the activity (delivery of draft final report and other deliverables). It had 3 milestones: the Communications Applications Review, the Mid Term Review and the Final Review at the end. Current status The project has been completedhe successful launch of The Sputnik 1—the first artificial satellite to be placed in orbit around the Earth by Soviet Union in 1957—marked the beginning of the space age and the space race between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. Over these decades, space technology has evolved rapidly and more nations—China, Japan, India, UK, Canada, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, Argentina—have joined the U.S. and Russia (the former U.S.S.R) in contributing to the advancement in satellite technology. With reduced rocket and satellite costs, companies across nations are playing an increasingly important role in what was once a highly bureaucratic, monopolized industry. Here’s a look at the satellite industry and how investors can be a part of it. There are more and more satellites in obit today than ever before. The data compiled by experts at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) reports that there are more than 3,000 operational satellites currently in orbit around Earth, with the number expected to go up multiple times in a decade. The U.S. currently leads the tally with the highest number of operating satellites, followed by China and Russia. According to the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), the satellite industry is close to 75% of the space economy. The estimates by Morgan Stanley suggest that the global space industry could generate revenue of more than $1 trillion or more in 2040, up from $350 billion (2020 projection). The global revenue for the satellite industry includes segments such as ground equipment (48%), satellite services (45%), satellite manufacturing (5%), and the launch industry (2%). Orbiting hundreds and thousands of kilometers away in the sky, satellites have ushered technological, scientific, and military advancements. They play a role in our lives more than we realize—from providing entertainment to information and keeping us safe and informed. The future will rely more on advanced satellites. The segments of satellite broadband Internet access are seen as growth drivers of the industry as demand for connectivity in nations with low penetration levels begins to rise and more bandwidth is needed alongside the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, cloud computing, and their applications (autonomous cars, streaming, medical procedures, navigation, drones and so much more). Ways to invest One of the most hassle-free and efficient ways to invest in the booming future of satellites and space technology is via exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Launched in 2019, Procure Space ETF (UFO) provides exposure to companies involved in space-related industries. The ETF tracks the S-Network Space Index. The index is constructed in a way that at least 80% of the index weight is allocated to companies that derive a majority of their revenues from space-related industries, including those companies utilizing satellite technology. Thus, the ETF captures themes such as ground equipment manufacturing dependent upon satellite systems, rocket and satellite manufacturing and operations, satellite-based telecommunications, and radio and TV broadcasting. While 70% of the assets are concentrated in the U.S., the ETF adds some geographical diversification by investing in France, Japan, Italy and Israel. The fund has $43.25 million as assets under management and an expense ratio of 0.75%. The top ten holdings are: Loral Space and Communications (LORL) ViaSat (VSAT) Gilat Satellite Networks (GILT) ORBCOMM (ORBC) EchoStar (SATS) Trimble (TRMB) Iridium Communications (IRDM) Maxar Technologies (MAXR) Eutelsat Communications (ETCMY) Garmin (GRMN) Next is the SPDR Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT), which tracks the S&P Kensho Final Frontiers Index. Launched in October 2018, the fund provides an effective way to pursue long-term growth potential by investing in a portfolio of companies involved in the expansion of human understanding and presence in outer space, as well as in the oceans. The S&P Kensho Final Frontiers Index is heavily weighted towards the aerospace and defense sector, accounting for about 65% of the fund's holdings. The fund provides a different approach to investing in the satellite and space sector with companies in research and consulting, industrial conglomerates, industrial machinery, industrial manufacturing services and semiconductors. The top holdings of the fund are: Maxar Technologies (MAXR) Hexcel (HXL) Boeing (BA) Aerojet Rocketdyne (AJRD) Raytheon Technologies (RTX) Virgin Galactic (SPCE) Northrop Grumman (NOC) L3Harris Technologies (LHX) HEICO (HEI) CACI International (CACI) ARK Investment Management will be launching its ETF soon. ARK has already filed for approval of the ARK Space Exploration ETF (ARKX); according to that filing, ARK Space Exploration ETF will be an actively-managed ETF that will invest (at least 80% assets) in domestic and foreign companies that are engaged in the fund’s investment theme of space exploration and innovation. The term “Space Exploration” is defined as “leading, enabling, or benefitting from technologically enabled products and services that occur beyond the surface of the Earth.” Disclaimer: The report has been carefully prepared, and any exclusions or errors in it are totally unintentional. The author has no position in any stocks mentioned.The benefits of operating satellites at lower orbital altitudes, described above in Section 3, support a new vision for the utilisation of near-Earth orbits with advantages to the sustainability and resilience of future satellite operations. The principal risk to the future of space operations in LEO is the presence and accumulation of orbital debris. With the recent and forthcoming proliferation of satellite constellations in LEO, primarily for communications applications, the probability of collisions in these orbits is increasing. In combination with accumulating orbital debris, the risk that certain orbital altitude ranges may become inaccessible in the future cannot be ignored [7]. However, in VLEO the density of the residual atmosphere ensures the rapid orbital decay and deorbit of spacecraft without active drag compensation. This “self-cleaning” characteristic means that VLEO will remain resilient to an accumulation of debris and the associated risk of on-orbit collision will remain low. If sustained operations in VLEO can be enabled, principally through the development of new technologies and platform concepts, many satellite operations in LEO could be reduced into the VLEO altitude range. For applications such as Earth observation and communications, this reduction in altitude may also simultaneously enable a reduction in spacecraft size, mass, and cost whilst maintaining or improving imaging or communications capability [8]. The transition of the bulk of such operations to VLEO in coordination with the removal of residual debris and greater adherence to de-orbit guidelines, would protect the higher LEO environment and the longterm and safe operation of missions such as crewed spaceflight and orbital stations at these altitudes. 4.1. Supporting the Exploitation of VLEO Beyond the technologies involved in enabling operations in VLEO itself, development of further technologies, ground infrastructure, and businesses are necessary to support and exploit this vision for VLEO. This wider ecosystem includes providing access to VLEO (both launch vehicles and launch brokers or turnkey solution providers), ground segments used to facilitate communications with the inspace assets, and new platform providers. Business models for these areas and roadmaps detailing the required support and necessary steps towards their development are described in the companTechnology Portfolio The technology roadmap for VLEO is principally divided into four basic technology areas, described in Figure 5-2: (1) Drag Compensation: the development of novel and improved methods of propulsion that can be used by VLEO platforms to compensate for orbital drag, leading to longer orbital lifetimes or sustained orbits. These propulsion systems are categorised as either traditional EP thrusters or ABEP concepts that require the development of novel thrusters, atmospheric intakes, and associated control systems. (2) Drag Reduction: technologies that can contribute to the mitigation or reduction of the drag experienced in orbit and includes the development of novel materials with favourable aerodynamic properties and the design of satellite geometric configurations that can incorporate and make best use of these materials. In combination, these technologies can increase the lifetime of VLEO platforms in orbit and reduce the requirements on drag compensation propulsion systems. (3) Aerodynamic Control: technologies that are associated with the use of the residual atmospheric environment to perform or assist attitude and orbit control, reducing the requirements on traditional attitude and orbit control actuators. (4) Supporting Technologies: further supporting technologies that contribute to the successful development of VLEO platforms or improvements to mission design and implementation. Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) For each technology, the current state of the art has been associated with an estimated TRL based on the most advanced system or technology presently available. The TRLs used are those adopted by ESA from ISO 16290:2013 [7] and given in Figure 5-1. For the purpose of colour coding the roadmap, the ranges given in below have been applied. However, it should be noted that within each technology area there may be several different specific technologies, concepts, or approaches at varying different stages of development that may have a lower TRL. TRL 1-3: Research TRL 3-6: Development TRL 7 [golden secrets] From time to time, we send special emails or offers from 3rd party websites to readers who chose to opt-in. We hope you find them useful. 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