# Space Force Plans VLEO Resilience

A DefenseScoop article argues that the U.S. Space Force should include Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) in a resilient space architecture because a nuclear event could make conventional Low Earth Orbit unusable for months, disrupting plans to replace satellites. The Space Force plans to further develop its architecture plans over the coming year. The article identifies no active solicitation or specific VLEO contract, but points to a potential future demand area for contractors supporting spacecraft, propulsion, sensing, communications, and domestic production capacity.

- Companies working in VLEO spacecraft, propulsion, sensing, communications, and domestic manufacturing can assess how their capabilities align with a possible future resilience requirement; no current procurement is identified.
- The rationale is continuity of space-based services if conventional LEO becomes unusable, which may shape future architecture planning and capability priorities.
- Albedo is identified as a commercial VLEO flight demonstrator, providing a relevant example of activity in the emerging market.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Space Force (USSF)
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- United States Space Command (USSPACECOM)
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
- Intelligence Community (IC)

### Vendors
- Albedo (VLEO flight-demonstration provider)

### Sources
- [The missing puzzle piece in space superiority: Why it’s time for the U.S. government to prioritize VLEO | DefenseScoop](https://defensescoop.com/2026/10/30/space-superiority-us-government-vleo) - DefenseScoop