GRADEL participates in Europes first Defence VLEO Satellite
We are proud to be an active participant in the VLEO (Very Low Earth Orbit)
Defending European communication capabilities
The VLEO (Very Low Earth Orbit) European Defence project is an ambitious initiative aimed at advancing Europe’s capabilities in next-generation space technologies. By contributing our expertise and innovation, we are helping shape a more resilient, responsive, and strategically autonomous European defence ecosystem.
How this is supporting European defence interests
The VLEO project directly strengthens European defence by enabling enhanced Earth observation capabilities at much lower orbital altitudes than traditional satellites. Operating in VLEO allows for higher-resolution imagery, faster revisit times, and improved responsiveness—critical factors for modern security and defence operations. Our participation contributes to building a robust European infrastructure that supports surveillance, reconnaissance, and situational awareness, ensuring that Europe can better anticipate and respond to emerging threats.
Independent and sovereignty capabilities
A key objective of the VLEO initiative is to reinforce Europe’s technological independence and sovereignty. By developing advanced space systems within Europe and reducing reliance on non-European providers, the project ensures secure and autonomous access to critical data and services. Our company’s involvement aligns with this vision by delivering high-performance components manufactured entirely within the European industrial ecosystem, supporting a sovereign supply chain that is resilient, secure, and future-proof.
The impact on our participation producing flying components made of carbon composites
Our core contribution to the VLEO project lies in the development and production of advanced flying components made from carbon composite materials. These materials offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, durability, and resistance to the harsh conditions of very low Earth orbit, where atmospheric drag and thermal stress are significantly higher. By leveraging our expertise in composite manufacturing, we are enabling lighter, more efficient, and longer-lasting satellite structures, directly enhancing mission performance and sustainability.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the VLEO European Defence project is the collaborative ecosystem it fosters. Bringing together a diverse cluster of industrial partner from large system integrators to specialized SMEs, this initiative exemplifies the power of European cooperation. This network of expertise accelerates innovation, reduces development risks, and creates a shared foundation for future advancements in space and defence technologies.
Through this collaboration, the project not only drives technological progress but also strengthens Europe’s industrial base, ensuring competitiveness on a global scale. We are honored to contribute to this collective effort and look forward to the continued success and impact of the VLEO programme.
The strength of industrial collaboration
Project Partners
