A Berkshire-based space technology start-up has raised £13.8 million as it attempts to unlock a new segment of the satellite industry by operating closer to Earth than conventional spacecraft.
The company, NewOrbit, is developing what it describes as the first commercial satellites designed for very low Earth orbit, a region between 200 and 300 kilometres above the planet’s surface. The latest funding round takes its total investment to £21.6 million and will support development, manufacturing and an initial launch programme scheduled for 2028.
Founded in 2021, the company argues that this lower orbital band could transform satellite services by improving signal strength and reducing latency. Chief executive and co-founder Anatolii Papulov said the concept fills a long-standing gap between aircraft altitude and traditional satellite orbits. He said operating closer to Earth would allow satellites to deliver stronger communication signals, sharper imaging and more accurate environmental data.
The funding round was led by Voyager Ventures, with participation from investors including former Nvidia chief scientist David Kirk and Tier Mobility co-founder Lawrence Leuschner. The backing reflects growing investor interest in deep-tech space companies, particularly in the United Kingdom, where government support for the sector has expanded in recent years.
The company plans to relocate to a 2,000 square metre manufacturing facility in the Thames Valley in 2027 ahead of its first demonstration satellite launch the following year. The initial mission is expected to carry commercial payloads to demonstrate performance in very low Earth orbit.
Interest in space-based infrastructure has intensified globally as companies such as SpaceX prepare for a major stock market listing. Industry valuations have surged on expectations that orbital networks will play a larger role in communications and computing infrastructure.
NewOrbit says its strategy differs from established satellite internet providers by focusing on hardware rather than end-user services. The company aims to supply satellites to organisations seeking their own communication or imaging networks, particularly governments and commercial operators seeking greater technological independence.
Operating at such low altitudes presents significant technical challenges. Atmospheric drag and particle exposure can shorten satellite lifespans, requiring continuous propulsion to maintain orbit. NewOrbit claims it has developed an electric propulsion system capable of keeping satellites operational for up to five years, using high-velocity particle emission to counteract orbital decay.
Papulov said the system allows satellites to remain stable despite the harsh environment, describing propulsion speeds that reach extreme velocities to maintain position. The company believes this approach could make very low Earth orbit commercially viable for the first time.
The team has grown to around 30 employees in Berkshire, drawing engineers from international aerospace organisations, including former staff from major space and research institutions. The company says this recruitment reflects its ambition to build a leading position in a new orbital category.
UK Space Agency officials have welcomed the investment, describing it as evidence of increasing global confidence in British space engineering. They said the development of commercial operations in very low Earth orbit highlights the strength of the country’s growing space ecosystem.
With new funding secured, NewOrbit now plans to transition from development to manufacturing, aiming to demonstrate that operating satellites closer to Earth can shift the economics and performance of space-based services.
