Miniaturizing the Skies: Impact of Small Satellites on the SSA Market

Posted by Amrut Mahajani on July 31st, 2023

The Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Market has witnessed a remarkable journey, with its value surging from USD 1.5 Billion in 2021 to an estimated USD 1.8 Billion by 2026, at a promising CAGR of 4.6%. The soaring demand for small satellites for Earth observation, communication, and scientific research, coupled with a growing emphasis on cost reduction in space missions, has fueled the expansion of the satellite industry worldwide.

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Unlocking the Potential of Small Satellites

In recent years, an increasing number of space companies have embarked on manufacturing low-cost small/miniaturized satellites. These satellites hold the key to reduced mission costs as launch service providers determine launch expenses based on satellite weight. To mitigate costs, satellite manufacturers are focusing on miniaturization, especially for payloads with less demanding requirements. This not only leads to smaller launch vehicles but also reduces fuel consumption. Technological advancements in the space industry, such as SpaceX's development of reusable launch vehicles, further enhance satellite capabilities at significantly lower costs.

Navigating the Impact of COVID-19

Like many industries, the SSA market has not been immune to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The disruption in supply chains and manufacturing processes has impacted the production of space situational awareness systems, subsystems, and components. Resuming manufacturing activities hinges on factors such as COVID-19 exposure, operational capacity, and import-export regulations, resulting in uncertain delivery schedules.

Drivers of SSA Industry Growth

The increasing demand for space-based sensing activities, including RF mapping, weather monitoring, GPS-radio occultation (GPS-RO) remote sensing, and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), is set to rise in both government and commercial sectors. Small satellites, with their low operational costs, are the ideal choice for situational awareness applications. Airlines utilize them to comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, while they also monitor ships and detect suspicious activities in coastal regions. Collaborations between companies, like ExoAnalytic Solutions and NorthStar Earth & Space, provide precision SSA services to safeguard the global satellite community from collisions and ensure safe access to space. The growing use of space-based sensing activities is expected to drive the SSA market's growth.

Challenges in Regulatory Compliance

The complex regulatory requirements set forth by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations agency, present challenges for satellite operators. The launch of low-orbiting satellites by private players for global Internet connectivity faces regulatory hurdles, as ITU rules do not favor deploying small satellites in orbit based on the payload of the main satellite. Ensuring broadcast frequencies of new satellites do not interfere with pre-existing systems in the Ku- and Ka-bands adds to the complexities.

Opportunities in Lower Earth Orbit (LEO)-Based Services

The surging demand for LEO-based services, including broadband, earth observation imagery, space situational awareness services, and on-orbit services, creates ample opportunities for the SSA market's growth. The affordability, capacity, and low-latency capabilities of small satellites drive their demand, leading manufacturers to accelerate their production.

Challenges in Debris Detection

The inability to detect micro-sized debris poses challenges for the SSA market. Orbital debris, resulting from defunct space missions, moves at high speeds relative to operational satellites, potentially causing damage to spacecraft components or even destruction. Effectively tracking and monitoring debris remains a priority for the industry.

Fueling Growth through Earth Observation and Analytics

The demand for earth observation imagery and analytics drives the SSA market, catering to various sectors like agriculture, insurance, finance, energy, and urban planning. Geospatial technology utilizing Earth-imaging satellite payloads serves a range of purposes, contributing to the growth of the commercial segment.

North America Leads the Way

North America spearheads the SSA market, with organizations like NASA and the Department of Defense contributing significantly. The region's reliance on assets in space fuels the demand for space situational awareness solutions.

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Navigating New Horizons

The Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Market embarks on an exciting journey, driven by innovation, cost optimization, and demand for small satellites. As the industry navigates the complexities of regulation and debris detection, its continuous growth promises a future that reaches for the stars. L3Harris Technologies, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, Inc., Parsons Corporation, and Peraton lead the way, propelling the SSA market to explore new frontiers and redefine the boundaries of space situational awareness.

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Amrut Mahajani

About the Author

Amrut Mahajani
Joined: January 30th, 2023
Articles Posted: 248

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