What Happened
UK-Based NewOrbit Advances Commercial Rideshare Platform
NewOrbit, a UK-based satellite manufacturer, has secured a launch slot for its first commercial VLEO rideshare satellite, NEO-1, scheduled for Q3 2028. The satellite will operate in Very Low Earth Orbit, allowing commercial and institutional payload developers to test and validate technologies at low altitudes. Genesia Corporation, a Japanese optics firm, has booked the first payload slot, alongside two unannounced payload developers. NewOrbit’s technical advisory board includes former leaders from ESA’s GOCE mission, bringing significant VLEO experience to the project. This development was first reported by SatNews.