Systemic design of the very-high-resolution imaging payload of an optical remote sensing satellite for launch into the VLEO using an small launch vehicle.

The very low Earth orbit (VLEO), which includes orbits with altitudes of 100-450 km, has distinct advantages for remote-sensing spacecraft. Lower altitudes allow payloads with smaller dimensions, weight, and power to achieve performances similar to or better than larger payloads in higher orbits in remote sensing and Earth observation missions. The most important advantage of low orbits for optical imaging systems is the higher resolution these payloads can attain.