Kreios Space, a Spanish space technology company, has announced a strategic partnership with Kongsberg NanoAvionics to develop and launch its first Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite. The mission represents a significant step forward in testing the company’s ABEP propulsion technology, which is engineered to enable sustained operations at orbital altitudes previously considered impractical for satellite missions.
Breakthrough in Orbital Operations
The partnership marks an important collaboration between the Spanish startup and the Norwegian-Lithuanian satellite manufacturer. Kongsberg NanoAvionics has been selected to provide the satellite bus—the foundational platform that serves as the core structure and support system for the mission. This arrangement allows Kreios Space to focus on demonstrating its ABEP technology in an operational environment while leveraging proven satellite infrastructure.
Very Low Earth Orbit satellites operate significantly closer to Earth’s surface than conventional spacecraft, offering potential advantages for specific applications. However, this proximity to the atmosphere presents substantial technical challenges, including increased atmospheric drag and the need for sophisticated propulsion systems to maintain stable orbits. The ABEP technology developed by Kreios Space has been designed specifically to address these operational demands.
Testing Next-Generation Propulsion
The upcoming satellite mission will serve as a crucial validation platform for the company’s propulsion approach. By flying closer to Earth than previous satellite missions, the mission will generate valuable data about how the ABEP technology performs under real-world conditions in the VLEO environment. Success in this demonstration could open new possibilities for satellite applications that benefit from ultra-low orbital positions.
Kongsberg NanoAvionics brings considerable experience to the collaboration. The satellite manufacturer has established itself as a significant player in the small and medium-sized satellite sector, having delivered numerous platforms for various orbital missions and applications across Europe and beyond.
European Space Innovation
The Kreios Space partnership reflects ongoing momentum within the European space sector, where companies continue to explore innovative approaches to satellite operations and orbital logistics. Spanish participation in space technology development has grown steadily, with the country hosting various initiatives in satellite communications, Earth observation, and emerging propulsion technologies.
The collaboration between a Spanish startup and a Kongsberg NanoAvionics underscores how European space companies are combining specialized expertise to tackle complex technical challenges. Such partnerships have become increasingly common as the continent seeks to maintain technological leadership in space applications and reduce dependencies on non-European providers.
As launch timelines and additional mission details develop, the Kreios Space demonstration mission will contribute important insights to the broader European space community regarding the viability and practical applications of sustained Very Low Earth Orbit operations.