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Redefining Space Missions: The Disaggregation of Satellite Functionalities

In the realm of space technology, a significant shift is underway: the disaggregation of satellite functionalities. This approach deconstructs traditional satellite capabilities into smaller, specialized units. It marks a departure from the ‘one satellite, many functions’ principle towards a model where multiple smaller satellites, each dedicated to a specific function, collaborate to accomplish a common mission.

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VLEO Innovator: Earth Observant Inc.

EOI (Earth Observant Inc.) Space plans to launch a VLEO (Very Low Earth Orbiting) constellation of “ultra high” resolution imaging satellites for both government and commercial use, known as Stingray. By operating in VLEO, the Stingray satellites will be closer to Earth than most other satellites, and will be capable of delivering the highest resolution imagery.

Report: Large Constellations of Low-Altitude Satellites: A Primer (CBO 2023)

In this report, the Congressional Budget Office provides an introduction to the advantages of and challenges for constellations of low-altitude satellites. In particular, the report describes the effects that orbital altitude has on the design of satellites and constellations of those satellites, focusing on DoD’s Earth-observation and communications missions.

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What Does it Mean When a Market is Said to be in “Structural Decline?”

When a market is described as being in “structural decline,” it means that the market is shrinking or contracting over a sustained period due to fundamental, long-term changes in its environment, rather than short-term or cyclical factors. This article reviews the potential underlying causes.

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Insights into Starship’s Announced Commercial Flights 2024 to 2030

More than 1/3 of the announced commercial missions are space tourism flights.

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CubeSat Design Basics: Small Satellites with Big Potential

In an era of increasing access to space and rapid technological advancement, one of the most influential developments in space exploration is the rise of CubeSats. These tiny satellites, often no larger than a loaf of bread, are making space exploration cheaper, faster, and more accessible than ever before. However, the small size of CubeSats presents unique challenges in terms of design. This article reviews the fundamental principles of CubeSat design.

Report: China’s Space Ambitions – Drivers, Goals, and Capabilities (AFPC 2023)

The mission of China’s space program is to protect its national rights and interests and to build up its overall strength–the space program serves China’s overall national strategy. This article provides insights into Chinese intentions.

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Time in Space: A Review of Typical Milestones and NET/NLT Designations in Space Projects

Timing is paramount, particularly in the sphere of space exploration. Each mission can be likened to a complex puzzle, requiring each piece to slot perfectly into place for the broader picture to emerge. To ensure all parts align just right, there are two significant types of checkpoints used: ‘No Earlier Than’ (NET) and ‘No Later Than’ (NLT). These terms effectively bracket the ‘earliest’ and ‘latest’ dates for task completion. This article reviews these critical markers relative to their importance in maintaining the timely progression of space missions and ensuring the successful attainment of their objectives.

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Satellite Data Analytics Companies: Applications and Challenges

What are satellite data analytics companies? What applications do they provide? What challenges do they face?

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Rocket Launches: Environmental Concerns

The environmental impact of launch vehicles can be significant, with the main concerns being air pollution, noise pollution, resource consumption, and potential impact on wildlife and ecosystems.

Into the Unknown Together: The DOD, NASA, and Early Spaceflight – Free e-book

Published by Air University 2005

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US Air Force Manned Orbital Laboratory: The Best of the Declassified Materials

This article is not an analytic piece; it is a guide, offering a curated selection of the most significant declassified materials from the MOL program. As such, this article serves as a compass, pointing you towards the most illuminating declassified documents, drawings, and photographs from the MOL program.

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Report: US Government Support of the Entrepreneurial Space Age (NASA 2019)

This paper describes how the government continues to fuel the growth of the Entrepreneurial Space Age in established industries like Launch, while supporting new companies in emerging industries like Logistics and Interplanetary.

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What are the Key Technology Components of Cubesats?

This article provides a general overview of some key technology components usually found in a CubeSat.

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The US Air Force Manned Orbital Laboratory: A Legacy of Innovation

The Manned Orbital Laboratory (MOL), an ambitious project by the U.S. Air Force, remains an important footnote in the history of human space exploration. This program, which ran from 1963 to 1969, aimed to develop a manned space station with a dual purpose: scientific research and military reconnaissance. Although the MOL never reached operational status, its advances and the human capital it developed made significant contributions to America’s subsequent space endeavors.

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The Role of Space-Based Solar Power in Future Military Conflicts

This article reviews potential military applications, and associated research, related to space-based solar power systems.

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The Military’s Race for Space

This article explores the rise of military control in space, focusing on the importance of satellites and their role in modern warfare and strategic defense.

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The Dawn of a New Space Era: The Impact of SpaceX’s Starship

This article reviews the potential ways that Starship could reshape the space economy, highlighting the new markets, industries, and opportunities that may emerge as a result of this game-changing technology.

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Exploring the Space Economy Through the Lens of the Business Environment Canvas

A Business Environment Canvas is a visual framework or tool used by entrepreneurs and business professionals to understand, analyze, and map the various internal and external factors that can influence the success of a business. The canvas helps to identify opportunities and risks, as well as develop strategies to address them.

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Revenue Models in the Space Economy: Capitalizing on the Final Frontier

The space economy, encompassing all activities and industries related to outer space, presents numerous opportunities for revenue generation. This article explores the revenue models that are applicable to the space economy and provides examples of how they can be utilized.

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What is Digital Twinning and its Relevance to the Space Economy?

Digital twin (also known as digital replica) technology is a concept that involves creating a virtual representation or digital counterpart of a physical object, process, or system. This digital model simulates the real-world entity, allowing for data analysis, monitoring, optimization, and predictive capabilities. This technology has gained significant traction in numerous industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, automotive, and infrastructure.

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US Environmental Regulations and the Space Economy

In the US several federal agencies, and regulations, are involved in overseeing the environmental impacts of the space economy. This article reviews the most relevant regulations and agencies.

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Greening the Cosmos: The Rise of Space Environmentalism

Space environmentalism is an emerging concept that focuses on the need to balance the growth of the space economy with the protection of both Earth’s environment and the space environment.

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Report: NASA Strategic Technology Roadmaps (consolidated as of April 2023)

NASA’s strategic technology roadmaps are comprehensive, long-term plans that outline the agency’s priorities and goals in technology development to support its missions in space exploration, science, and aeronautics. This article provides a consolidated document including all strategic technology roadmaps as of April 2023.

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Economic Linkages of a Spaceport: Guiana Space Centre

This article provides an overview of the flow of funding and spending related to the French Guiana Space Centre.

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Horizon Scanning in the Space Economy: Anticipating Opportunities and Challenges

What is horizon scanning? Why is it important in the context of the space economy?