Methera mid-orbit constellation
A planned constellation of about 16 broadband satellites in medium Earth orbit that would point concentrated capacity at chosen regions, paired with low-cost user terminals and multi-orbit routing software.
Why it matters
Methera's plan is to cover chosen regions with a small number of satellites in medium Earth orbit rather than a large low-orbit fleet. If it works, governments, communities and businesses could get secure, resilient capacity where they need it.
How the technology works
Methera's plan, described by its CEO in 2018, is a 16-satellite MEO constellation that concentrates capacity where demand is. It is developing low-cost terminals (a mechanical dish first, then an electronically steered flat panel) with an ESA, UKSA and Norwegian Space Agency grant, ASTRAL software to route traffic across orbits and providers, and ESPADA, an AI tool for space domain awareness targeted for 2027.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction