Viridian Space Signs CRADA with US Air Force

The agreement will see the companies co-develop Viridian's air-breathing electric propulsion technology for very low Earth orbit satellites.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Viridian Space, a California-based space technology company, has signed a five-year cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with the US Air Force to co-develop Viridian's air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) technology for very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites. Under the CRADA, the Air Force will provide facilities at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico for Viridian to test its propulsion system, while Viridian will share insights on how the technology can be used to create new concepts of operations for the military.

Why it matters

The agreement allows Viridian to advance its ABEP technology, which aims to enable satellites to operate in VLEO, closer to Earth than traditional satellites. This could provide benefits like higher-resolution imagery, better connectivity, and increased maneuverability compared to chemical propulsion systems in higher orbits. For the Air Force, the partnership gives them a better understanding of atmospheric conditions and space weather impacts on satellites in VLEO.

The details

Viridian's ABEP technology is designed to use air as fuel, allowing its satellites to maneuver without depleting onboard propellant reserves. The company is targeting an inaugural launch of its VLEO satellite system within the next three years. Under the CRADA, Viridian's satellites could be used as a platform to collect data on atmospheric drag and space weather events at different altitudes in VLEO, providing the Department of Defense with valuable insights.

  • Viridian signed the five-year CRADA with the US Air Force in February 2026.
  • Viridian is targeting an inaugural launch of its VLEO satellite system within the next three years.

The players

Viridian Space

A California-based space technology company developing air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) technology for very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites.

US Air Force

The military branch that has signed a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with Viridian Space to co-develop the company's ABEP technology.

Slava Spektor

The CEO of Viridian Space.

Kirtland Air Force Base

The military base in Albuquerque, New Mexico where the US Air Force will provide facilities for Viridian to test its propulsion system.

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What they’re saying

“That is the goal for CRADA. Basically, it spans anything from development of the technology on the ground, to sharing data that will eventually come from space.”

— Slava Spektor, CEO, Viridian Space (Payload Space)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This partnership between Viridian Space and the US Air Force demonstrates the potential benefits of very low Earth orbit satellite technology, which could provide enhanced capabilities for both commercial and military applications compared to traditional satellite systems in higher orbits.