Latest news with #VLEO
India.com
14-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
This country is planning to send 300 bullet-shaped satellites in space, its part of a dangerous..., India must remain alert due to...
China is planning to launch a 300-satellite constellation of bullet-shaped satellites. Chutian project: In a worrying development amid India-Pakistan tensions, China– Pakistan's 'all-weather-ally'– is planning to launch a constellation of bullet-shaped satellites into Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), aimed to build a surveillance network, which could potentially capture images of any location around the world. China to launch 300-satellite constellation According to a report by the South China Morning Post, China's Chutian project, which aims to build a 300-satellite constellation for high-resolution remote sensing and communication, as well as surveillance, has passed key technology checks. A year ago, China had launched the Chutian-001 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp (CASIC), displayed core capabilities, including satellite system performance, high-resolution smart imaging and space environment monitoring, the report said. Chutian project to be deployed in 3 phases Local local media sources, the report said the Chutian constellation will be deployed in three phases. In the first, initial technology and service verification stage, one experimental satellite was scheduled for launch last year to test operations in VLEO, after which a cluster of cluster of nine satellites will follow in 2025, to demonstrate real-time Earth observation capabilities, it said. The Chutian project will enter its second phase from 2026-2030, focusing on large-scale deployment, during which CASIC aims to complete a 300-satellite network offering continuous global coverage with a range of imaging types – visible light, synthetic aperture radar, hyperspectral, and infrared – and response times as short as 15 minutes, the report said. The third phase will be focused on integration and expansion, completing the full business system and pushing global response times to under 10 minutes, it added. Zhang Chuan, project leader at CASIC, said the Chutian constellation will support a wide range of applications, from disaster response and watershed management to agriculture, forestry and fisheries, adding the satellite system is designed for high revisit rates, fast data processing, intelligent analysis and near-instant downlink capabilities. What are the potential military uses and why India's must remain alert? According to experts, the Chutian constellation could be used as a global surveillance network, providing real-time target detection with precise satellite control and domestically developed technologies. This could pose a potential security threat to China's rivals, especially India after the recent developments where Beijing openly supported Pakistan in its conflict with India. Notably, the bullet-shaped body of the Chutian satellites is designed to reduce atmospheric drag, which is a major challenge for satellites operating below 300 km (186 miles), where air resistance is much higher. VLEO satellites typically orbit Earth at altitudes between 150 km and 300 km.
South China Morning Post
14-05-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
China's bullet-shape satellite test paves the way for very low orbit surveillance network
China has completed key technology checks for an experimental satellite in very low Earth orbit (VLEO), marking an initial step towards building a 300-satellite constellation for high-resolution remote sensing and communications, according to local media. Chutian-001, which was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre a year ago, showed core capabilities – including satellite system performance, high-resolution smart imaging and space environment monitoring – Hubei Daily reported. The outlet said the tests showed major progress in key areas, such as precise satellite control in very low orbits, real-time target detection using domestically developed technologies and multi-sensor monitoring of the near-Earth environment. 11:05 Space race elevates Asia in new world order Space race elevates Asia in new world order The report did not disclose the satellite's altitude or specifications such as mass or size. However, images from last year's Zhuhai air show revealed the satellite's streamlined, bullet-shaped body designed to reduce atmospheric drag, a key challenge for spacecraft operating below 300km (186 miles) where air resistance is much greater. VLEO satellites typically circle the Earth at altitudes between 150km and 300km, offering advantages such as lower signal latency, stronger transmission, reduced power needs and potentially lower launch costs. However, they must regularly fire on-board thrusters to counter atmospheric drag, which shortens their lifespan and demands more frequent replacement. As part of China's broader effort to grow its commercial space sector, the Chutian constellation project was launched in July 2023 by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp (CASIC) in partnership with the Hubei provincial government. The constellation will be deployed in three phases.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Booz Allen Celebrates Albedo's Historic Clarity-1 Launch
The first Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite marks significant milestone in commercial space innovation MCLEAN, Va., March 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) today announced that Booz Allen Ventures portfolio company Albedo has successfully launched Clarity-1, the first commercial satellite to operate in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), marking a significant milestone in commercial space innovation. This achievement comes just over a year after Booz Allen Ventures' strategic investment in Albedo, demonstrating the rapid acceleration of developing commercial technology to meet critical government needs. With Clarity-1 now on orbit, Albedo has introduced a breakthrough capability—10 cm visible and 2-meter thermal imagery from VLEO—delivering resolutions previously limited to aircraft and drones. This will further enhance capabilities for Earth observation and national security use cases across government and industry. "Albedo's rapid trajectory from investment to launch demonstrates the speed to outcomes that is critical for national security. We are excited to actively bring these capabilities to the U.S. government," said Brian MacCarthy, managing director of Booz Allen Ventures. "This milestone showcases Booz Allen's ability to anticipate, build, and invest in advanced technology that truly transforms missions." By leveraging VLEO's unique advantages, Albedo is positioned to contribute to Space Domain Awareness and provide an alternate vantage point to traditional Earth observation methods. With its Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Albedo's technology is already playing an important role in the U.S. government's space strategy. "The launch of Clarity-1 is a pivotal moment for the space industry," said Chris Bogdan, executive vice president at Booz Allen and leader of the firm's Space business. "The ability to collect ultra-high-resolution data at a fraction of the cost and timeline of traditional satellites is a transformational shift in space technology. This launch not only showcases Albedo's ingenuity but also highlights the power of dual-use commercial technology to meet mission-critical needs." "Ultra-high-resolution data will be essential for delivering the necessary intelligence and analytics to inform our nation's decision-making," said Winston Tri, co-founder and CPO at Albedo. "As Albedo accelerates its vision to provide unparalleled geospatial insights, we look forward to an ongoing partnership with Booz Allen." Booz Allen's investment in Albedo is part of its broader venture capital strategy, which focuses on identifying, investing, and scaling emerging technologies that can rapidly drive mission outcomes for government clients. Through its corporate venture capital arm, Booz Allen has invested in 13 very promising startups to accelerate AI, cyber, and space innovation in support of national security. As the leading provider of AI and cybersecurity to the federal government, Booz Allen is uniquely positioned to integrate emerging capabilities into the broader national security ecosystem. Booz Allen is committed to advancing the future of space technology by bridging the gap between commercial innovation and government missions. About Booz Allen Hamilton Booz Allen is the advanced technology company delivering outcomes with speed for America's most critical defense, civil, and national security priorities. We build technology solutions using AI, cyber, and other cutting- edge technologies to advance and protect the nation and its citizens. By focusing on outcomes, we enable our people, clients, and their missions to succeed—accelerating the nation to realize our purpose: Empower People to Change the World®. With global headquarters in McLean, Virginia, our firm employs approximately 35,900 people globally as of December 31, 2024, and had revenue of $10.7 billion for the 12 months ended March 31, 2024. To learn more, visit (NYSE: BAH) Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this release include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements that do not directly relate to any historical or current fact. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "will," "could," "should," "forecasts," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "outlook," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue," "preliminary," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give you no assurance these expectations will prove to have been correct. These forward-looking statements relate to future events or future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in or implied by these forward-looking statements, including those factors discussed in Booz Allen's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including Booz Allen's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and other filings and reports that may be filed from time to time with the SEC, which can be found at the SEC's website at All forward-looking statements attributable to Booz Allen or persons acting on Booz Allen's behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. All such statements speak only as of the date made and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. BAHPR-CO View source version on Contacts Media Relations: Amanda Allison, Allison_Amanda@ Investor Relations: Investor_Relations@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Albedo: Among the VLEO Technology Stocks and Startups to Watch in 2025
We recently published a list of . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Albedo stands against the other VLEO technology stocks and startups to watch in 2025. Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) refers to altitudes below 450 km, much lower than traditional low Earth orbit (LEO), which typically includes altitudes between 500 km and 2,000 km. This emerging sector in the space industry offers numerous advantages, including lower latency for communications, higher-resolution imaging capabilities, and reduced launch costs. However, operating in VLEO also presents challenges such as increased atmospheric drag, requiring innovative propulsion and station-keeping technologies. VLEO technology is gaining traction as companies seek more efficient ways to deliver high-speed broadband, enhance Earth observation capabilities, and support national security initiatives. The increasing demand for global connectivity, precise geospatial intelligence, and real-time satellite-based data services is driving investments in VLEO solutions. Governments, defense agencies, and commercial enterprises alike are exploring VLEO applications for sectors such as telecommunications, agriculture, disaster response, and environmental monitoring. From an investment perspective, VLEO-related stocks and startups offer exposure to one of the fastest-growing segments of the aerospace industry. Companies involved in VLEO range from established aerospace giants developing cutting-edge satellite technology to emerging startups focused on specialized propulsion, high-resolution imaging, and space-based communication networks. The rise of private-sector space initiatives, alongside increased government contracts, provides a strong growth outlook for businesses operating in this niche – for reference, external research boutiques such as Juniper Research estimated that investments into VLEO will reach $220 billion by 2027, from only $17 billion in 2024, implying an annualized growth rate of 135%. Investors interested in space technology stocks should consider VLEO companies for several reasons. First, the commercialization of space is accelerating, with increasing private-sector involvement from leading firms. Second, VLEO satellites can provide more cost-effective alternatives to traditional LEO and geostationary orbit systems, creating opportunities for companies offering facilitatory or complementary technology in this space. Finally, the sector benefits from strong long-term tailwinds, including advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and 5G networks, which require faster and more efficient space-based infrastructure. With this, we will take a look at some of the best VLEO stocks to invest in. We shortlisted 10 names, which include both publicly traded companies as well as private companies and startups. We ranked the names by market capitalization or the amount of funding raised as we believe the company's size correlates with the potential to gain a substantial market share by either facilitating or complementing the rapid growth of the VLEO technology market. For publicly traded companies we also include the number of hedge funds that own it. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 363.5% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 208 percentage points ().Albedo is a cutting-edge space technology startup developing VLEO satellites designed to capture ultra-high-resolution Earth imagery. Unlike traditional satellite imaging companies, the company's approach leverages VLEO's lower altitudes to achieve unmatched image clarity at a fraction of the cost of existing high-resolution systems. By positioning satellites closer to the surface, Albedo can provide commercial and government customers with detailed optical and thermal imagery that was previously only available from aerial platforms or classified military satellites. The company's strategic advantage lies in its ability to deliver 10-centimeter optical resolution, a game-changer for industries like urban planning, agriculture, defense, and disaster response. Traditional Earth observation satellites in higher orbits typically offer resolutions of 30 centimeters or more, making Albedo's capabilities highly valuable for applications requiring precision, such as infrastructure monitoring and environmental analysis. It is one of the best VLEO stocks on our list. As an investment opportunity, Albedo represents a compelling bet on the future of commercial Earth observation. With the growing demand for real-time, high-definition satellite imagery, industries ranging from insurance to autonomous transportation are increasingly reliant on geospatial intelligence. Albedo's VLEO approach not only enhances image quality but also reduces latency and data costs compared to legacy systems. With regulatory approval from the US government to operate at this unprecedented level of detail, the company is poised to disrupt the remote sensing market – external research boutiques estimate a $48 billion total addressable market, implying tremendous market share gains for Albedo. With significant venture capital backing and strong market interest in high-resolution geospatial data, the company is a promising startup to watch in the rapidly evolving space economy. Overall, Albedo ranks 7th on our list of VLEO technology stocks and startups to watch in 2025. While we acknowledge the potential of Albedo as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than Albedo but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and Complete List of 59 AI Companies Under $2 Billion in Market Cap Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Albedo: Among the VLEO Technology Stocks and Startups to Watch in 2025
We recently published a list of . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Albedo stands against the other VLEO technology stocks and startups to watch in 2025. Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) refers to altitudes below 450 km, much lower than traditional low Earth orbit (LEO), which typically includes altitudes between 500 km and 2,000 km. This emerging sector in the space industry offers numerous advantages, including lower latency for communications, higher-resolution imaging capabilities, and reduced launch costs. However, operating in VLEO also presents challenges such as increased atmospheric drag, requiring innovative propulsion and station-keeping technologies. VLEO technology is gaining traction as companies seek more efficient ways to deliver high-speed broadband, enhance Earth observation capabilities, and support national security initiatives. The increasing demand for global connectivity, precise geospatial intelligence, and real-time satellite-based data services is driving investments in VLEO solutions. Governments, defense agencies, and commercial enterprises alike are exploring VLEO applications for sectors such as telecommunications, agriculture, disaster response, and environmental monitoring. From an investment perspective, VLEO-related stocks and startups offer exposure to one of the fastest-growing segments of the aerospace industry. Companies involved in VLEO range from established aerospace giants developing cutting-edge satellite technology to emerging startups focused on specialized propulsion, high-resolution imaging, and space-based communication networks. The rise of private-sector space initiatives, alongside increased government contracts, provides a strong growth outlook for businesses operating in this niche – for reference, external research boutiques such as Juniper Research estimated that investments into VLEO will reach $220 billion by 2027, from only $17 billion in 2024, implying an annualized growth rate of 135%. Investors interested in space technology stocks should consider VLEO companies for several reasons. First, the commercialization of space is accelerating, with increasing private-sector involvement from leading firms. Second, VLEO satellites can provide more cost-effective alternatives to traditional LEO and geostationary orbit systems, creating opportunities for companies offering facilitatory or complementary technology in this space. Finally, the sector benefits from strong long-term tailwinds, including advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and 5G networks, which require faster and more efficient space-based infrastructure. With this, we will take a look at some of the best VLEO stocks to invest in. We shortlisted 10 names, which include both publicly traded companies as well as private companies and startups. We ranked the names by market capitalization or the amount of funding raised as we believe the company's size correlates with the potential to gain a substantial market share by either facilitating or complementing the rapid growth of the VLEO technology market. For publicly traded companies we also include the number of hedge funds that own it. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 363.5% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 208 percentage points ().Albedo is a cutting-edge space technology startup developing VLEO satellites designed to capture ultra-high-resolution Earth imagery. Unlike traditional satellite imaging companies, the company's approach leverages VLEO's lower altitudes to achieve unmatched image clarity at a fraction of the cost of existing high-resolution systems. By positioning satellites closer to the surface, Albedo can provide commercial and government customers with detailed optical and thermal imagery that was previously only available from aerial platforms or classified military satellites. The company's strategic advantage lies in its ability to deliver 10-centimeter optical resolution, a game-changer for industries like urban planning, agriculture, defense, and disaster response. Traditional Earth observation satellites in higher orbits typically offer resolutions of 30 centimeters or more, making Albedo's capabilities highly valuable for applications requiring precision, such as infrastructure monitoring and environmental analysis. It is one of the best VLEO stocks on our list. As an investment opportunity, Albedo represents a compelling bet on the future of commercial Earth observation. With the growing demand for real-time, high-definition satellite imagery, industries ranging from insurance to autonomous transportation are increasingly reliant on geospatial intelligence. Albedo's VLEO approach not only enhances image quality but also reduces latency and data costs compared to legacy systems. With regulatory approval from the US government to operate at this unprecedented level of detail, the company is poised to disrupt the remote sensing market – external research boutiques estimate a $48 billion total addressable market, implying tremendous market share gains for Albedo. With significant venture capital backing and strong market interest in high-resolution geospatial data, the company is a promising startup to watch in the rapidly evolving space economy. Overall, Albedo ranks 7th on our list of VLEO technology stocks and startups to watch in 2025. While we acknowledge the potential of Albedo as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than Albedo but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and Complete List of 59 AI Companies Under $2 Billion in Market Cap Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
