China forms national VLEO alliance as sub-300 km sats prove endurance

China has formed a national VLEO Technology Innovation and Industry Development Alliance backed by 34 organizations, while Shiyan-25 (~270 km) and Qiankun-1 (~252 km) demonstrate sustained operations below 300 km and Haishao-1 sits at ~370 km, highlighting ongoing sub-300 km capability. Growing private propulsion efforts—air-breathing plasma engines from Shanhai Xingyao and Fudan University—reflect rising investment as global VLEO activity shifts toward larger programs and systematic development.