MANY MINDEDAerospace Corp. Deploys Four DiskSats for Low-Earth Orbit Internet Test
Aerospace Corp. successfully deployed four DiskSats to 550 kilometers low-Earth orbit in December 2025. Each satellite weighs 17 kilograms and uses Enpulsion Nano Field Emission Electric Propulsion systems to maintain very low Earth orbit (VLEO) below 300 kilometers. The satellites descend at 2 kilometers per month due to atmospheric drag, a rate applicable only during the initial orbit phase. During operations, two batteries on one satellite (DiskSat C) and one battery on another (DiskSat A) were permanently disabled by a battery heater design flaw. Aerospace resolved this issue through software updates. Neumann Space, Orbotic Systems, and Satlyt have signed commercial licensing agreements for the technology. The mission was documented in a paper presented at the 2026 Small Satellite Conference but remains unpublished.
This demonstration targets a potential pathway for ultra-low-cost global internet access. The satellites’ low altitude reduces signal latency and ground station costs, which could lower internet expenses for billions. However, the descent rate and orbital stability depend on atmospheric conditions, and battery reliability after fixes requires long-term monitoring. As of August 2026, the mission remains on track to complete all objectives despite the battery issue.
The next critical phase involves verifying whether the satellites maintain stable orbits and battery health during extended operations. If commercial licensing agreements proceed as planned, this could enable scalable, affordable internet infrastructure. But the descent rate’s initial phase nature and the paper’s unpublished status mean full operational viability remains unproven. The technology’s real-world impact hinges on sustained orbital stability and battery performance beyond the current demonstration.
Source: SpaceNews