Satellitie-as-a-Service: navigating opportunities in orbit

The panel discussion on Satellitie-as-a-Service: at the 39th Space Symposium, moderated by Tim Parsons of Novaspace, brought together industry leaders to delve into the evolving landscape of satellite technology. The panel featured Olaf Bjorck from AAC Clyde Space, Carol Craig, founder and CEO of Craig Technologies and Sidus Space and Emmanuel Sauzay from Endurosat.

Olaf highlighted the increasing demand for satellite services, particularly in Earth observation and communications. He noted that advancements in onboard processing are crucial due to the limitations of downlink capabilities. Clyde Space is focusing on both providing space products and full space missions, with a recent success in lunar lander power systems.

Carol Craig emphasized the shift towards integrating space-based data into various industries. She discussed the benefits of 3D printing in satellite manufacturing, such as reduced weight and increased modularity, which allows for rapid integration of new technologies. Craig’s approach is to offer a flexible infrastructure that can adapt to the fast-paced changes in technology and customer needs.

Emmanuel Sauzay from Endurosat discussed the trend of new satellite operators focusing on payload and data rather than the complexities of space engineering. He stressed the importance of software-defined architecture and onboard processing to enhance the flexibility and efficiency of satellite missions. Endurosat is also expanding into larger satellite classes and launching new missions to meet the growing demand.

The panelists agreed that the future of satellite services lies in the ability to provide customizable, cost-effective solutions that can adapt to various applications. They highlighted the importance of collaboration between traditional space companies and new entrants to drive innovation and meet the diverse needs of the market.

Overall, the discussion underscored the dynamic nature of the satellite industry and the ongoing efforts to make space more accessible and beneficial for a wide range of sectors. The integration of advanced manufacturing techniques, software-defined systems, and flexible service models are key to the future growth and success of satellite services.