Wu Jiangxing, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, identified the Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) as a critical strategic resource layer. This region, situated between 100 and 350 kilometers above the Earth, offers advantages such as reduced space radiation and shorter distances for signal transmission, which can lower satellite development and launch costs.
The period between 2026 and 2030 is considered a vital window for China to establish its presence in this sector. Experts warn that failing to act during these five years could result in the loss of orbital and spectrum resources to international competitors, potentially forcing China into a disadvantageous position regarding global standards.
China has already made progress in VLEO technology. On January 15, 2026, the Qiankun-1 satellite successfully stabilized at an altitude of 250 kilometers, setting a national record for long-term low-orbit operation. Future plans include testing even lower altitudes, specifically 240, 230, and 220 kilometers.
By the end of 2025, China submitted applications to the International Telecommunication Union for over 200,000 satellites, with the majority of these resources designated for VLEO. Engineering challenges remain, including atmospheric drag and atomic oxygen erosion, which require advanced propulsion systems and protective material coatings.
VLEO offers significant operational benefits, such as doubling imaging resolution compared to 600-kilometer orbits and allowing the use of industrial-grade components due to milder radiation. Furthermore, the dense atmosphere in this region naturally cleans up space debris by causing failed satellites to burn up within months.
