中国空间科学技术

中国空间科学技术 ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (3): 77-93.doi: 10.16708/j.cnki.1000-758X.2026.0038

• 《中国空间科学技术（中英文）》创刊45周年专刊 • 上一篇    下一篇

极低轨卫星关键问题探讨与发展展望

王伟宗1,2,*，崔玉福3，陈志远1，张舒4，张广川1，贾晓冬3，贺碧蛟1，刘丽芹1，武迪1，何贵勤1   

  1. 1.北京航空航天大学宇航学院，北京102206
    2.天地往返高效运输技术全国重点实验室，北京102206
    3.航天东方红卫星有限公司，北京100094
    4.北京航空航天大学中法工程师学院，北京100191
  • 收稿日期:2026-02-09 修回日期:2026-03-23 录用日期:2026-04-08 发布日期:2026-05-21 出版日期:2026-05-31

Discussion on key issues and development prospects of ultra low Earth orbit satellites

WANG Weizong1,2,*, CUI Yufu3, CHEN Zhiyuan1, ZHANG Shu4, ZHANG Guangchuan1, JIA Xiaodong3, HE Bijiao1, LIU Liqin1, WU Di1, HE Guiqin1   

  1. 1.School of Astronautics, Beihang University, Beijing 102206, China
    2.State Key Laboratory of HighEfficiency Reusable Aerospace Transportation Technology, Beijing 102206, China
    3.DFH Satellite Co., Ltd., Beijing 100094, China
    4.Sino-French Engineer School, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
  • Received:2026-02-09 Revision received:2026-03-23 Accepted:2026-04-08 Online:2026-05-21 Published:2026-05-31

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摘要： 作为衔接临近空间与外太空的“第五空域”，极低轨域在超高分辨率遥感、低时延高信噪比通信及民生应急保底等方面具有传统轨道难以比拟的综合优势，是各航天强国重点布局的前沿领域。受大气阻力显著、环境扰动剧烈等特有约束，当前极低轨卫星面临“留不下、稳不住、用不好”的核心瓶颈。针对长周期业务化运行需求，系统梳理了极低轨卫星的关键技术体系与发展路径：在环境认知方面，探讨了多手段环境探测技术及高精度大气模型的构建方法；在平台技术方面，重点分析了以吸气式电推进为核心的先进动力系统、气动特性仿真与减阻设计、应对强时变非线性扰动的智能轨道与姿态控制策略以及高通量原子氧防护技术；在载荷与信息处理方面，阐述了适配极低轨环境的低延迟通信、亚目标级高分遥感载荷以及星上信息处理技术的发展现状。分析表明，极低轨开发亟需跨越从仿真验证到工程应用的鸿沟，未来应聚焦吸气式电推进样机研制、一体化气动减阻设计、高精度姿轨控等关键技术攻关及在轨飞行验证，为新一代空间基础设施的构建与应用提供支撑。

关键词: 极低轨域, 吸气式电推进, 气动减阻, 原子氧防护, 高分辨率遥感

Abstract: As the “fifth airspace” bridging near space and outer space, the Ultra Low Earth Orbit (ULEO) domain boasts comprehensive advantages unmatched by traditional orbits in ultra-high-resolution remote sensing, low-latency high-signal-to-noise-ratio communication, and civilian emergency backup services for public livelihood, making it a frontier field prioritized by major space powers. However, constrained by unique challenges such as significant atmospheric drag and severe environmental disturbances, ULEO satellites currently face the core bottlenecks of being “difficult to sustain, difficult to stabilize, and difficult to fully utilize.” Targeting the requirements of long-term operational applications, this paper systematically reviews the key technology systems and development pathways for ULEO spacecraft. First, in terms of environmental awareness, multi-modal environmental detection techniques and methods for constructing high-precision atmospheric models are discussed. Second, in terms of platform technology, the analysis focuses on advanced propulsion systems centered on air-breathing electric propulsion, aerodynamic simulation and drag reduction design, intelligent orbit and attitude control strategies addressing strong time-varying nonlinear disturbances, as well as high-flux atomic oxygen protection technologies. Additionally, in terms of payload and information processing, the current development status of low-latency communication, sub-target-level high-resolution remote sensing payloads, and onboard information processing technologies adapted to the ULEO environment is elaborated. Finally, analysis shows that ULEO development urgently needs to bridge the gap from simulation verification to engineering application. Future efforts should focus on key technology breakthroughs such as the development of air-breathing electric propulsion prototypes, integrated aerodynamic drag reduction design, high-precision attitude and orbit control, and onorbit flight verification, to support the construction and application of next-generation space-based systems.

Key words: Ultra Low Earth Orbit (ULEO), Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP), aerodynamic drag reduction, atomic oxygen protection, high-resolution remote sensing