German launch company New Orbit has confirmed a 2028 launch slot for its inaugural satellite, NEO‑1, marking a significant step for Europe’s very low Earth orbit (VLEO) ambitions. The announcement, reported by Startups Magazine, follows the company’s earlier confirmation of the mission’s schedule and payload objectives.
2028 Launch Slot Secured
New Orbit announced that it has secured a launch window in 2028 for its first satellite. The company’s spokesperson stated that the slot will allow the company to deploy NEO‑1 into VLEO, a niche segment of space that offers reduced launch costs and quicker revisit times for Earth observation and communication services.
NEO‑1: Germany’s First VLEO Satellite
NEO‑1, the satellite that will occupy the 2028 slot, is the first VLEO satellite to be launched by a German commercial rocket. According to inflight‑online.com, the mission will place NEO‑1 into a very low Earth orbit, a regime that sits below the more common low Earth orbit altitude range. This positioning is expected to provide enhanced imaging resolution and faster data downlink for users on the ground.
Commercial Payloads in Very Low Earth Orbit
Beyond its own payload, New Orbit plans to offer commercial services by carrying customer payloads to VLEO. Satellite Evolution highlighted that the company’s first commercial mission will transport third‑party equipment to the same orbit, opening a new revenue stream for satellite operators seeking cost‑effective access to VLEO.
Europe Gains Launch Autonomy
New Orbit’s progress is part of a broader European push for launch autonomy. EUalive reported that the German commercial rocket’s entry into the market provides Europe with greater independence from foreign launch providers. By developing its own VLEO launch capability, Germany—and by extension the EU—can reduce reliance on external launch services and foster a more competitive domestic space industry.
With the 2028 launch slot now confirmed, New Orbit is poised to demonstrate the viability of VLEO missions and to deliver commercial payload services, potentially reshaping the European satellite launch landscape.
Original Source: Startups Magazine