Published on June 8, 2026
The aerospace landscape has long been defined altitudes of commercial aircraft and standard satellites. Low Earth orbit (LEO) at 500 km has dominated the market. Meanwhile, a unique altitude, very low Earth orbit (VLEO), has remained largely uncharted and untapped.
On Monday, UK-based startup NewOrbit announced it had raised an oversubscribed $18.5 million in its Series A funding round. This funding comes at a pivotal moment as the company aims to establish a satellite network within the VLEO band, specifically targeting altitudes between 200 to 300 km. Historically, these altitudes have been reserved for specialized operations, such as spy satellites or the International Space Station.
With this investment, NewOrbit plans to develop and deploy small satellites that can provide high-speed data transmission and improved Earth observation capabilities. The funding will not only support the technological advancements needed for their VLEO missions but also positions the startup to enter a new market. Several applications, including climate monitoring and telecommunications, are expected to benefit from their innovations.
The implications of NewOrbit’s venture could be significant for commercial space operations. VLEO segment, the startup may enable faster, cheaper satellite deployments and open new avenues for businesses and governments alike. This shift could redefine how data is collected and shared globally, potentially paving the way for a more connected world.
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