Inside Italian defence tech (2026)
Jul 17
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Reading, United KingdomReading, United Kingdom
Products & Solutions
NEO-1
NewOrbit's inaugural satellite platform designed to operate continuously at ultra-low Earth orbits of 180-250 km for up to five years. At these altitudes, NEO-1 delivers drone-quality imaging resolution, direct-to-device connectivity at 5G-comparable speeds and enhanced atmospheric data for weather forecasting. The satellite carries Earth observation, telecommunications, GNSS and RF sensor payloads, and uses the AURA propulsion system to counteract atmospheric drag. Expected availability is Q3 2027.
AURA
NewOrbit's in-house ion propulsion system, developed over seven generations between 2021 and 2025. An RF generator excites xenon propellant into plasma, accelerating ions through grids to produce 4-20 mN of thrust at up to 4,500 seconds of specific impulse — around four times the efficiency of conventional alternatives. The AURA-X variant runs on xenon while the AURA-A variant is architected for future air-breathing operation, both sharing the same foundational hardware. AURA enables sustained flight at orbital altitudes previously impossible to maintain.
About
NewOrbit is a space technology company founded in 2021 and headquartered in Reading, UK. It engineers satellites and propulsion systems purpose-built for ultra-low Earth orbit (ULEO), operating at altitudes between 180 and 250 km — roughly one-third the altitude of conventional low-Earth-orbit satellites.
Offices
Reading, United KingdomBacked by
Yes VCAtlantic LabsLifeline VenturesOffline VenturesUK Space Agency
Customers & Partners
European Space Agency (ESA)SPRIND
Timeline
2026-02
AURA propulsion system passed a 200-hour integration test, reaching pre-flight readiness.
2025-07
Publicly introduced NEO-1, the first satellite designed for sustained operation at ultra-low Earth orbits.
2024-08
Completed first successful thruster firing in a new in-house vacuum chamber.
2024-04
Closed a $7.5 million seed round led by Yes VC, with Atlantic Labs, Lifeline Ventures and Offline Ventures participating.
2024-04
Awarded a €175,000 contract by the European Space Agency to advance ULEO mission development.
2021
NewOrbit Space Ltd founded in Reading, UK, with a focus on ultra-low Earth orbit satellite technology.
Open Positions (5)
Products & Solutions
NEO-1
NewOrbit's inaugural satellite platform designed to operate continuously at ultra-low Earth orbits of 180-250 km for up to five years. At these altitudes, NEO-1 delivers drone-quality imaging resolution, direct-to-device connectivity at 5G-comparable speeds and enhanced atmospheric data for weather forecasting. The satellite carries Earth observation, telecommunications, GNSS and RF sensor payloads, and uses the AURA propulsion system to counteract atmospheric drag. Expected availability is Q3 2027.
AURA
NewOrbit's in-house ion propulsion system, developed over seven generations between 2021 and 2025. An RF generator excites xenon propellant into plasma, accelerating ions through grids to produce 4-20 mN of thrust at up to 4,500 seconds of specific impulse — around four times the efficiency of conventional alternatives. The AURA-X variant runs on xenon while the AURA-A variant is architected for future air-breathing operation, both sharing the same foundational hardware. AURA enables sustained flight at orbital altitudes previously impossible to maintain.
Open Positions (5)
About
NewOrbit is a space technology company founded in 2021 and headquartered in Reading, UK. It engineers satellites and propulsion systems purpose-built for ultra-low Earth orbit (ULEO), operating at altitudes between 180 and 250 km — roughly one-third the altitude of conventional low-Earth-orbit satellites.
Offices
Reading, United KingdomBacked by
Yes VCAtlantic LabsLifeline VenturesOffline VenturesUK Space Agency
Customers & Partners
European Space Agency (ESA)SPRIND
Timeline
2026-02
AURA propulsion system passed a 200-hour integration test, reaching pre-flight readiness.
2025-07
Publicly introduced NEO-1, the first satellite designed for sustained operation at ultra-low Earth orbits.
2024-08
Completed first successful thruster firing in a new in-house vacuum chamber.
2024-04
Closed a $7.5 million seed round led by Yes VC, with Atlantic Labs, Lifeline Ventures and Offline Ventures participating.
2024-04
Awarded a €175,000 contract by the European Space Agency to advance ULEO mission development.
2021
NewOrbit Space Ltd founded in Reading, UK, with a focus on ultra-low Earth orbit satellite technology.
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