Near Space

Near space refers to the region just above Earth's atmosphere, typically between 20 and 100 kilometers (12 to 62 miles) altitude. It is beyond typical aircraft flight but below space’s main environment, where satellites orbit. This zone is characterized by extremely thin air and low pressure, making it a unique environment for scientific research, testing spacecraft, and high-altitude balloon experiments. Near space offers insights into atmospheric science, radiation, and microgravity effects, serving as a bridge between ground-based studies and outer space exploration.