European Defense Agency Program Selects GomSpace for VLEO Mission
Strengthens Company’s Position in Defense and Advanced Space Missions
GomSpace has been selected to participate in the European Defense Agency’s newly signed €15.7 million (≈$18.1 million) research contract to develop Europe’s first dedicated Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) military satellite concept, as part of the VLEO-DEF consortium. The program marks a significant milestone for GomSpace as it represents one of the first EDA-funded defense initiatives in which the company is directly involved. GomSpace’s share in the program will be €445,000 (≈$51,340) and is planned to be delivered by the 2nd half of 2028.
“Our involvement in VLEO-DEF confirms GomSpace’s strategic direction.”
Edgar Milic, GomSpace
The research and technology project will design a satellite optimized for sustained operation in VLEO, an orbital regime 250–350 km above Earth, which offers substantial operational advantages for defense users, including high-resolution Earth observation, reduced signal latency, and enhanced responsiveness for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
GomSpace says its involvement demonstrates increasing recognition of its heritage in advanced small satellite systems, autonomous mission operations, and our established track record with government and security customers globally.
“We are honored to support this flagship European defense program with our technology and expertise,” says Edgar Milic, VP of Advanced Missions and Managing Director of GomSpace Luxembourg. “Our involvement in VLEO-DEF confirms GomSpace’s strategic direction: delivering high-performance, resilient space systems for defense customers, breaking ground on new advanced technologies like VLEO, and strengthening our footprint as a key European space industry partner.”
The VLEO-DEF consortium unites five participating Member States: Spain, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Slovenia and a group of 17 leading European industrial and research organizations. GomSpace Luxembourg and its Advanced Mission team will be contributing to this project in key areas.