Global collaboration drives record-breaking advances in small satellite industry

Global collaboration drives record-breaking advances in small satellite industry
by Simon Mansfield
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jun 18, 2023

In a great week for NewSpace, global collaborations have led to record-breaking achievements across the small satellite sector, with a focus on autonomous technology, enhancing global internet connectivity, and ever increasing commercial applications.

First up, China has set a new national record by successfully launching 41 satellites into orbit on a single mission via their Long March 2D carrier rocket. This development comes as nations around the world compete to push the boundaries of what's achievable in space exploration and technology. The satellites were successfully placed into preset orbits, adding further momentum to China's ambitious space goals.

Not to be outdone, Exolaunch, in collaboration with SpaceX, facilitated the launch of 32 customer satellites through SpaceX's Falcon 9 as part of the Transporter-8 mission, marking a significant milestone for the company. The participation of Exolaunch customers from diverse locations across Europe, Asia, and North America underscores the increasingly global nature of space ventures.

NASA is leading the charge in autonomous technology, with a 12-day stratospheric flight from NASA's first TechLeap Prize now being used to analyze and improve autonomous observation capabilities for small spacecraft. Alongside this, researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center are developing satellite swarm technologies, designed to allow multiple spacecraft to operate as a unit, pushing the boundaries of space science and exploration.

Commercial entities continue to make their mark on the space industry. Kongsberg NanoAvionics made waves with the successful launch of six satellites on SpaceX's Transporter-8 mission, including the Tiger-4, a key component of the 5G Narrowband-IoT constellation in low Earth orbit. Rocket Lab USA reported the successful operation of a spacecraft for Varda Space Industries, an in-space manufacturing and hypersonic re-entry logistics company, following a launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

In a unique socio-religious initiative, a satellite carrying Pope Francis's pandemic prayer, designed by Terran Orbital Corporation's Italian subsidiary, Tyvak International, was successfully launched. This mission highlights the diversified applications of small satellite technology.

The United Nations' goal for every person to have affordable internet access by 2030 emphasizes the critical role of satellite technology in achieving digital inclusivity. With roughly half the world's population still lacking regular or high-speed internet access, the opportunities for space companies to contribute to this goal are immense.

E-Space completed a five-month feasibility study, commissioned by the French Space Agency, that focused on the technical capabilities and long-term viability of their business model, indicating potential future engagements.

These recent advancements underline the dynamic nature of the space industry, characterized by intense competition, increasing commercial participation, and groundbreaking technological innovations. With autonomous technologies and global internet access in focus, the potential applications and opportunities for small satellite technologies are expanding rapidly. The future of space exploration looks more exciting than ever.

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