Report: Large LEO Satellite Constellations: Will it be Different This Time? (McKinsey 2020)

This report indicates that companies planning large LEO satellite internet constellations still need to reduce arange of costs significantly to ensure long-term viability. Lowering launch costs is one part of the equation, but it will be equally or more critical to reduce the cost of manufacturing spacecraft, ground equipment, and user equipment. If suppliers and constellation providers can achieve these cuts, they could unlock enough demand for large LEO constellations to transform both the B2C and B2B communications markets.

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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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Extending Satellite Lifespans: Technological Advancements and Their Implications for the Space Economy

In the rapidly evolving landscape of space exploration and satellite technology, one of the most significant advancements lies in increasing the lifespan of satellites. This enhancement, resulting from numerous technological breakthroughs, carries numerous implications, including economic efficiency, environmental impact, and geopolitical ramifications. This article reviews the consequences and the technologies driving these transformative changes.

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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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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.

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Repowering the EU from Space

This article describes how the EU space program will be a key enabler Europe’s energy transition.

Report: The Value of Open Data Sharing (GEO 2015)

There are many diverse opportunities and benefits to be derived from providing open data for unrestricted use worldwide. The main reasons are compiled in this report.

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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The Future of Warfare: Exploring Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems and Space Technology

Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) are a type of military technology that can independently search for, identify, target, and engage enemies without direct human intervention. This article examines the role of space technology.

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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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The International Space Station National Laboratory: A Unique Orbiting Research Facility

This article provides an overview of the ISS National Laboratory and associated research opportunities.

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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?

Report: National Security Space – Overview of Contracts for Commercial Satellite Imagery (GAO 2022)

This report identifies 2022 US federal government spending and contracts for commercial satellite imagery.

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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The Invisible Threat: How Space Radiation Impacts Satellite Technology

Space radiation can have significant effects on space technology, impacting both the performance and longevity of equipment used in space missions. This article reviews potential impacts, mitigation strategies, and past instances of satellite disruptions by space radiation.

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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.

Report: Satellite Environmental Information and Development Assistance (ESA 2019)

This report is an analysis of the longer-term prospects for expanding the use of satellite-based environmental information in Development Assistance operations and activities.

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The Rise of CubeSats: Democratizing Space Exploration

Space, once the exclusive domain of government agencies and large corporations, is becoming increasingly accessible, thanks in no small part to a class of miniature satellites known as CubeSats. Born from an academic idea to a tool driving a new era in space science, the rise of CubeSats marks a significant chapter in the story of space exploration.

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The Future of Satellite TV: How Starlink Changes the Game

Market disruption is a real possibility…

Report: Space for Net Zero (WEF 2021)

This report talks about the role of satellites in monitoring greenhouse gases.

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Timeline for the World’s First Entertainment Arena and Content Studios In Space

Micro-Gravity Film, TV, Sport and Entertainment Production and Broadcast Studio targeted for launch in 2025.

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The Fusion of Entertainment and the Space Economy

The entertainment industry within the space economy is a multifaceted sector that merges technology, innovation, and creative storytelling to deliver entertaining content related to space activities and exploration. It is an emerging market segment, providing audiences worldwide with an array of experiences and knowledge about the universe beyond our planet. This article explores several key aspects of the space economy’s impact on the entertainment industry.

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First Feature Film Shot in Space Has Been Released: “The Challenge”

The first feature film shot in space was the Russian movie titled “Challenge”. In October 2021, Russian actress Yulia Peresild and director Klim Shipenko traveled to the ISS to shoot scenes for the movie. The plot of “Challenge” involves a surgeon (played by Peresild) who has to operate on a sick cosmonaut in space because the cosmonaut’s medical condition prevents him from returning to Earth to be treated. The movie was released in April 2023.