Reflecting on the excellent SATELLITE Conference & Exhibition a couple weeks ago, there are a few things that stick with me · This remains as dynamic a time as ever in the space industry, and while there are many exciting ideas, communications is still the main economic driver · The impact of STARLINK continues to grow, as does the realization of how much it has already accomplished. As a result, there’s both an impatience for competitors to ramp up and a concern that Starlink’s lead in capability and cost is increasing · Along those lines, I’m surprised that there hasn’t been more reaction to Gwynne Shotwell’s “plug and plaser” announcement; this will be a challenge to everyone working on laser links to up their game · Beyond LEO/NGSO comms, small GEO has emerged as not only credible but perhaps the only bright spot in the GEO market. Astranis Space Technologies pioneered this idea and has seven orders since early 2023—the majority of GEO COMSAT orders placed in that time. Another sign: competitors entering what wasn’t seen as a real market until recently: Swissto12 has announced four orders, and Terran Orbital now has an offering as well. · There’s growing acknowledgment that the government market, particularly defense and intelligence, will remain the driver of demand for commercial remote sensing · On the US government side, it’s hard to overstate the impact the Space Development Agency is having on architectures and industry. Kudos to Derek Tournear and his team for maintaining the momentum · The cloud on the horizon is that money is tight for many new companies, especially if revenue lags projections, so understanding the market and above all cost control, whether in launch, manufacturing or the ground segment, will remain critical elements of long term success. I look forward to comparing notes with anyone going to Space Foundation's Space Symposium next week—or any time!
Chris Daehnick I’m also at Symposium, would be lovely to meet you in person! Great insights above also 👍
UN Advisor on Space Policy ◊ Isakowitz Scholarship Executive Director ◊ Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs @ Astranis
8moWooo go Astranis! :)