Balerion Senior Associate Aidan Daoussis sits down with Vaxon Space Founder & CEO Steven Shepard to discuss very low Earth orbit satellites and air-breathing electric propulsion.
Vaxon Space is developing satellites designed to operate in very low Earth orbit (VLEO) using an electric propulsion system that ingests atmospheric particles and uses them as propellant. Operating at these altitudes offers advantages in sensing resolution, latency, and orbital debris mitigation, but requires overcoming major engineering challenges including atmospheric drag, atomic oxygen corrosion, and continuous propulsion.
In this conversation, Steven explains the technical architecture behind air-breathing propulsion, the advantages of VLEO for sensing and communications, and why defense and commercial customers are increasingly interested in this orbital regime.
00:00 – Introduction: Vaxon Space and the concept of Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO)Aidan introduces Steven Shepard, Founder and CEO of Vaxon Space, and frames the discussion around very low Earth orbit satellites, missile defense applications, AI infrastructure, and next-generation connectivity enabled by Vaxon’s electric air-breathing propulsion technology.
01:00 – What Vaxon Space is buildingSteven provides a high-level overview of the company and explains the name “Vaxon,” inspired by neural axons that transmit information. The company’s mission is to enable real-time connectivity through satellite constellations operating in very low Earth orbit.
03:00 – Why very low Earth orbit mattersSteven explains the differences between GEO, MEO, LEO, and VLEO, and why the 150–250 km altitude range offers unique advantages for sensing, communications, and defense missions.
05:30 – Advantages of VLEO for sensing and communicationsLower altitude enables higher-resolution sensing, lower latency communications, and more responsive networks compared to traditional LEO constellations.
08:00 – The VLEO challenge: atmospheric dragOperating this low introduces major drag from the upper atmosphere. Steven explains why most satellites cannot survive there for long without continuous propulsion.
10:00 – Air-breathing electric propulsionSteven introduces Vaxon’s core technology: an electric propulsion system that ingests atmospheric particles and uses them as propellant, allowing satellites to remain in VLEO without carrying large fuel reserves.
13:00 – Technical hurdles in VLEODiscussion of atomic oxygen corrosion, thermal management, and materials challenges when operating at these altitudes.
16:00 – Satellite design implicationsHow spacecraft geometry, aerodynamic shaping, and materials selection affect performance and survivability in VLEO.
19:00 – Missile defense applicationsSteven explains why VLEO satellites could dramatically improve missile tracking and hypersonic glide vehicle detection due to improved sensor proximity and responsiveness.
22:00 – Earth observation and commercial sensingDiscussion of VLEO advantages for agriculture monitoring, wildfire detection, environmental sensing, and infrastructure monitoring.
25:00 – Communications and connectivity use casesVLEO could enable lower-latency communications and potentially support direct-to-device connectivity.
27:00 – The broader VLEO ecosystemAidan asks about other companies working in the space. Steven discusses emerging efforts and why the field is still early.
30:00 – Satellite maneuverability and operational flexibilityContinuous atmospheric propellant intake could enable satellites to maneuver frequently without fuel limitations.
33:00 – Orbital debris and natural cleanup advantagesObjects in VLEO naturally reenter quickly due to drag, reducing long-term debris accumulation compared to higher orbital regimes.
36:00 – Audience Q&A: power requirements and system architectureDiscussion of energy demands for electric propulsion and how satellite power systems support continuous thrust.
39:00 – Hardware design and radiation environmentVLEO satellites experience less radiation than higher orbits, which could allow the use of more commercial electronics.
42:00 – Direct-to-cell communications potentialSteven explains how lower altitude could enable smaller ground terminals and improved communications performance.
45:00 – Founder background and origin of the companySteven discusses his career background and how previous work in aerospace and defense informed the founding of Vaxon Space.
48:00 – Hypersonics, materials science, and propulsion experienceAidan asks how Steven’s technical background connects to the company’s VLEO propulsion approach.
51:00 – Government funding and defense procurement landscapeDiscussion of how programs across the Department of Defense and other agencies are supporting emerging orbital architectures.
54:00 – Navigating government customers and classified ecosystemsSteven describes how startups engage with organizations like the Space Force and other national security customers.
56:30 – Closing thoughts on the future of VLEOSteven summarizes why very low Earth orbit may become an important new layer of space infrastructure.
