Viridian Space wins $225,000 NASA contract for VLEO satellite maneuvering research

Viridian Space has landed a $225,000 NASA STTR Phase I contract, with the University of Washington as research partner, to study aerodynamic control surfaces for satellites in very low Earth orbit. The work aims to help spacecraft maneuver better and stay operational longer in a drag-heavy environment that could expand Earth observation and communications missions.

Why it matters: - Very low Earth orbit, or VLEO, can improve Earth observation resolution, communications signal strength and latency. - Satellites in VLEO face much stronger atmospheric drag than spacecraft in conventional low Earth orbit. - Better maneuverability in VLEO could help enable longer-duration missions in a region that offers performance advantages.

What happened: - Viridian Space Corporation said it won a $225,000 NASA Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I contract. - The University of Washington will serve as the project research partner. - The project will advance simulation and design work for satellite control surfaces that can help spacecraft maneuver in VLEO. - Viridian Space is based in El Segundo, California. - NASA awarded the contract on Sept. 30, 2026.

The details: - The project will explore aerodynamic control surfaces for maneuvering in VLEO. - Viridian Space is developing patented technologies to support sustained, maneuverable operations in VLEO. - The University of Washington contributes expertise in aerodynamics, spacecraft dynamics and VLEO control. - The university’s research includes the use of aerodynamic forces for satellite maneuvering and attitude control. - Viridian Space’s broader technology portfolio includes an Air-Scooping Electric Thruster designed to collect gases from the upper atmosphere and use them as propellant. - The company says that approach can reduce dependence on finite onboard propellant stores. - Viridian Space is targeting Earth observation, communications, in-space servicing and other commercial and government missions. - The University of Washington’s SPACE Lab was founded in 2018 as part of the William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. - The SPACE Lab focuses on theoretical modeling and experimental design for electric thrusters and other space technologies. - More information is available on the Viridian Space website and UW SPACE Lab site. - Viridian Space also shared a LinkedIn page at its company page.

Between the lines: - The NASA award signals federal interest in technologies that could make VLEO more practical for commercial and government spacecraft. - Aerodynamic control surfaces suggest a design path that treats the residual atmosphere in VLEO as part of the control problem, not just a drag penalty. - The collaboration pairs a propulsion and spacecraft-technology developer with an academic lab focused on aerodynamics and advanced concepts.

What's next: - Viridian Space and the University of Washington will use the Phase I effort to refine simulations and design concepts for VLEO control surfaces. - The research could feed future hardware development and follow-on missions if the concept proves viable. - The companies did not provide a timeline for flight testing or later-phase work.

The bottom line: - NASA is funding early-stage research aimed at making satellites more agile and longer-lived in one of Earth orbit’s toughest environments.