York Space Systems Bets on VLEO Speed; Air-Breathing Rivals Set Deadline
York Space Systems (YSS) launched a new spacecraft bus for very low Earth orbit (VLEO), designed to operate for over three years using Hall-effect plasma thrusters. Competitors like Redwire and Kreios Space are developing air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) systems, which could extend mission life by using atmospheric molecules as fuel. York has invested over $755 million in production and supply chain to compete in the growing VLEO market, projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2034.







