Fundamentals of Satellite Communications and SATCOM Systems Webinar

In this webinar, Rodrigo Gila, a customer service engineer with over 15 years of experience in satellite communications, discusses the basics of satellite communications and SATCOM systems. The session started with an introduction to satellite communications, explaining their advantages and disadvantages, followed by the mechanics of how satellite communications work. Various frequencies and bands used in satellite communications were discussed, along with the components of earth stations. The webinar concluded by covering key considerations when selecting satellite terminals and components. Key points include:

1. Satellites are objects in space that circle around a larger object, primarily used for communication purposes to retransmit signals back to Earth for long-distance communications.

2. The main classifications of satellites are based on their orbital types, including

Low Earth Orbit (LEO),

Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and

Geosynchronous and Geostationary Orbit (GEO).

3. Advantages of satellite communications include

cost independence from distance,

reduced costs for remote locations,

mobility, and

high adaptability.

4. Disadvantages include

high costs for specialized equipment,

limited frequency spectrum,

susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, and

adverse environmental conditions.

5. Fundamental mechanics of satellite communications involve establishing a channel between a source (earth station) and recipient using uplink and downlink signals, which may be one-way or two-way.

6. Earth stations consist of various components for transmitting and receiving signals, including antennas with parabolic geometry and specialized feedhorns.

7. Satellites, like those in GEO orbit, host multiple subsystems, including a communication subsystem with transponders for receiving, amplifying, filtering, and rebroadcasting signals.

8. When selecting satellite terminals and components, key considerations include cost, compatibility with desired frequencies, power requirements, and environmental factors

Advantages of X, Ka, and Ku bands in Satellite Communications and Earth Station Components

Satellite communication systems operate in various frequency bands, including X, Ku, and Ka bands, each with unique characteristics and advantages.

The X band, ranging from 8 to 12 gigahertz, is primarily used for military communications and wideband global SATCOM systems due to its wider separation between adjacent satellites, making it ideal for SATCOM applications. This band is also less susceptible to rain fade than the Ku band, ensuring higher performance levels under adverse weather conditions.

The Ku band, between 10 to 18 gigahertz, is typically used for consumer direct-to-home access, learning applications, retail, and enterprise connectivity. The antenna sizes for this band are much smaller than those in the X band, as higher frequencies allow for higher gain with smaller antenna sizes. However, networks in this band are more susceptible to snow and rain fade, particularly in tropical areas.

the Ka band, between 26 to 40 gigahertz, is primarily used for two-way consumer broadband and military networks. Ka-band dishes are smaller, ranging from 60 centimeters to 1.2 meters, but have higher transmission power due to the higher frequencies. However, this band can be more vulnerable to signal quality problems caused by snow and rain fade.

Earth stations, a critical part of satellite communication systems, consist of various components, including modulators, modems, amplifiers, filters, reflectors, and antenna control units. These components work together to convert information throughout the full path in a communication link. When selecting the appropriate equipment for a specific link, a link budget is necessary to ensure adequate signal levels, power gains, and losses in the telecommunications system. Ultimately, the choice of frequency band, terminal type, and components depends on the application, output power requirements, reflector size, and frequency range.

Understanding LNBs, Polarization, and Antenna Positioning

The discussion revolves around the Ortho Mode Transducer (OMT) in slide 14, which is an essential component for polarization in satellite systems.

An LNB, or Low Noise Block, functions for a specific frequency range, usually between 1 and 2 GHz, and the OMT filters and splits the polarization signals. The lifetime of an LNB depends on its manufacturing quality and environmental conditions, but with proper maintenance, it can last for several years.

The antenna reflector, which is the round portion of the antenna, is an electromagnetic surface used to bounce and direct electromagnetic waves. Polarization is adjusted according to the satellite's horizontal plane to avoid interference, especially with the advent of 5G technology. Filters can help reduce this interference, enabling seamless communication in various applications.

When upgrading from an L-band to a Ka-band system, the reflector and any attached components can stay the same. However, the LNB and the downconverter will likely need to be replaced with ones compatible with the new Ka-band.

The Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) is a compact and efficient option for amplifiers at these high frequencies. Calculating antenna dimensions requires knowledge of the desired frequency band and the required gain, which is provided by the antenna manufacturer. Antennas can have multiple bands, but it's more common for them to be designed for a single specific band. Polarization adjustments are vital to ensure proper alignment with satellites, and filters are used to reduce interference in both terrestrial and satellite communications.

Space: The Future of Global Communications
The discussion revolves around the potential of space as the future of the internet, focusing on the accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory framework of space-based internet. The panelists agree that space-based internet is a viable future prospect due to reduced costs of access to space, advancements in technology, and the increasing demand for internet connectivity worldwide. However, they emphasize the need for further cost reductions, addressing affordability, and resolving regulatory issues to make space-based internet a reality for the mass market.

Matthew, the moderator, poses a question about space being the future of the internet, and if so, how it would impact the global communications landscape.

Matt Dunkley, CEO of Iridium, takes the first attempt at answering, stating that space-based internet is not just a future possibility but also a present reality for businesses.

Mina Mitry, CEO of Kepler Communications, agrees and expands on the point, highlighting the reduced costs and enabling regulatory frameworks that encourage commercial participation in space-based services.

The panelists then concur that affordability and addressing regulatory concerns are crucial for space-based internet to become a global reality. They also mention the increasing demand for internet connectivity and the need for more businesses to enter the sector to drive costs down further.

The conversation highlights the growing market for internet of things (IoT) applications in remote regions and the need for a new generation of satellites and infrastructure networks to support this growth. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of cost reductions, regulatory improvements, and increasing demand for internet connectivity to make space-based internet a viable option for the mass market.

Convergence, cost reductions, and competition in the satellite industry

The discussion revolves around the ongoing investments and advancements in the satellite industry, with a particular focus on the reduction of launch costs and the lifespan of satellites. By producing satellites with a five to seven-year life cycle and launching them at significantly lower costs, service reductions can be achieved.

A notable trend is the convergence of cellular networks to satellite networks, with 5G ambitions calling for the use of non-terrestrial networks, such as low Earth orbit satellites. This convergence aims to enable massive cost reductions that were not previously possible in space.

Despite high investment and the potential for success, the industry is facing increased competition from various networks, including SpaceX Starlink, Amazon's Kuiper, OneWeb, and existing telecom providers. This competition may challenge individual networks' cost structure profiles and their ability to generate ongoing revenue.

The discussion also highlights the importance of patience, as satellite networks typically take five to ten years to reach profitability. Investors, especially in the context of sovereign countries and billionaires, should have a long-term perspective as they back satellite companies and navigate regulatory challenges, which can be more complex than those faced by cellular operators. Lastly, the conversation emphasizes the potential of small networks and Internet of Things (IoT) companies, which may be underappreciated compared to the high-profile global consumer broadband mega-constellations. These smaller players could provide cost-effective solutions and contribute significantly to the satellite sector.

Addressing the Digital Divide: The Challenge of Affordable Satellite Internet

The main idea discussed in this segment revolves around the prospects and challenges, particularly the cost, of providing satellite-based internet services to bridge the digital divide, especially in developing countries. The current cost of space-based internet offerings is still considered high for many regions where the need is greatest.

The panelists agree that the key to making satellite internet more accessible lies in significantly reducing the cost of terminals, which is currently around $499 but could cost three to four times more to produce. They also mention that while spacex has taken a significant step in this direction, the business model for making such services profitable on a large scale remains elusive.

The panelists express hope for future technological breakthroughs that will drive down device costs and make satellite internet more affordable, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas in developed and developing countries. They also highlight the potential demand for satellite internet services in developed nations as an initial step towards widespread adoption.

Looking forward to future collaborations

The speaker expresses their best wishes for the success of their colleagues' businesses and ventures, and hopes for future encounters. They thank everyone for their time and attention. This indicates a positive and supportive relationship between the speaker and their colleagues, and a mutual appreciation for each other's work. The speaker's comments suggest a sense of closure for the current meeting or project, while also leaving open the possibility for future collaborations.

Satellites: The Unsung Heroes of Global Connectivity

The launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 marked the beginning of satellite communication, revolutionizing the way we transmit and receive information worldwide. Satellites, orbiting Earth, have become indispensable, enabling global coverage, long-distance communication, television broadcasting, and internet connectivity. They also facilitate navigation systems like GPS, impacting various aspects of modern life. However, challenges like high costs, space debris, signal latency, and susceptibility to cyber attacks need to be addressed. Despite these issues, the future of satellite communications is promising, with advancements in miniaturization, reusable rocket technology, and satellite capabilities opening doors to new applications and services.

Significant Growth in SATCOM Demand and Opportunities for Defense and Civilian Users

SATCOM (Satellite Communications) environment is experiencing a surge in demand, with current traffic estimated at 35 gigabits, expected to rise to over 150 gigabits by 2025. This growth represents a valuable opportunity for both the defense and civilian sectors, as high-resolution images, quick data transfers, and real-time communications become increasingly critical for peacekeeping, police missions, first responders, and other operational purposes.

The Luxembourg event, held for four years, has strong defense user representation and is expanding to cater to civilian and institutional users. Last year's event saw 450 attendees, 80% of whom were international, and the organizers anticipate surpassing that number this year, offering institutional updates, keynotes, startup pitches, panel discussions, and live demonstrations.

The Future of Global Communication: Five Key Trends in Satellite Technology

The future of global communication is rapidly evolving, with advancements in satellite technology poised to transform the way we connect. Five key trends are shaping this transformation:

the rise of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites,
the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning,
the advent of satellite mega-constellations,
the need for sophisticated space traffic management, and
the increasing privatization of the satellite industry.

LEO satellites offer faster and more reliable communication, while AI and machine learning are leading to smarter, more autonomous satellite systems. Mega-constellations promise global coverage, but space traffic management must advance to prevent collisions in crowded skies. Lastly, the privatization of the satellite industry is driving innovation, reducing costs, and expanding access to satellite communication. As you use your devices, consider the complex network of satellites working together to make global communication possible.

Future of Global Satellite Communication: A Comprehensive Market Forecast

Summary:

The report on the global satellite communication equipment market projects significant growth from USD 43.89 billion in 2023 to USD 83.04 billion by 2030. The detailed analysis propounds that advancements in satellite technologies and an increase in demand for communications in remote areas are the primary catalysts for this market expansion. Emerging trends like the integration of 5G networks and the development of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite constellations will propel the market forward. Meanwhile, challenges such as high initial costs and regulatory complexities remain obstacles to overcome.

The world of communication is witnessing a colossal shift with the expansion of the satellite communication equipment market predicted to nearly double in value over the next seven years. A combination of technological innovation, the quest for global internet access, and the pressing need for connectivity in geographically complex regions is fueling this growth trend.

Satellite communication equipment, which includes an array of devices for satellite data transmission and reception, is advancing at a rapid pace. Miniaturized and digitized equipment is becoming more affordable and accessible, making satellite communication a viable option for many. Particularly, the rise of LEO and MEO satellites is stimulating demand for new ground equipment that can operate with these networks.

Economic development pursuits, especially in regions that lack traditional infrastructure, are prompting a surge in satellite communication services. For instance, the expansive geography and populations of China and India are substantial contributors to the market growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

The report segments the market based on equipment type, technology, product, and end-user industries, with focus given to land fixed equipment and SATCOM VSAT technology. The aerospace and defense sectors currently dominate market usage but expansion is expected in other sectors like media and logistics.

Investments in satellite communication infrastructure and technology are also robust in the Americas, with the United States leading the way. The EMEA region, with its advanced R&D capabilities and an accelerating base in the Middle East and Africa, commands the largest market share but faces competition from the Americas and the Asia-Pacific regions.

This illuminating market analysis is an indispensable tool for stakeholders in the satellite communication equipment industry, laying down a roadmap of opportunities against the backdrop of technological evolution and market demands.

FAQ Section Based on the Global Satellite Communication Equipment Market Report

1. What is the projected growth of the global satellite communication equipment market?
The market is forecasted to grow from USD 43.89 billion in 2023 to USD 83.04 billion by 2030.

2. What are driving forces behind the growth of the satellite communication equipment market?
Advancements in satellite technologies, increased demand for communication in remote areas, integration of 5G networks, and the development of LEO and MEO satellite constellations are fueling this growth.

3. How are LEO and MEO satellites influencing the satellite communication equipment market?
The rise in LEO and MEO satellite networks is sparking the need for new ground equipment compatible with these systems.

4. Which regions are contributing significantly to market growth?
Asia-Pacific regions, particularly China and India, are substantial contributors due to their large geography and populations. Additionally, the Americas and the EMEA region are also showing robust investment and market share.

5. What sectors dominate the satellite communication equipment market usage?
The aerospace and defense sectors currently have the highest usage, but there is expected market expansion in media, logistics, and other industries.

6. What challenges does the satellite communication equipment market face?
The market faces challenges such as high initial costs and regulatory complexities that may impede growth.

7. Why is the report on the satellite communication equipment market important?
The report serves as an essential tool for stakeholders, providing a comprehensive analysis of opportunities, technological trends, and market demands in the satellite communication equipment industry.

Key Terms and Definitions

– SATCOM: Satellite communication, referring to communications facilitated through satellites orbiting the Earth.
– VSAT: Very Small Aperture Terminal, a type of satellite ground station with a small antenna used for communications.
– LEO Satellites: Low Earth Orbit satellites that operate at altitudes closer to the Earth, aiding in communications and observation.
– MEO Satellites: Medium Earth Orbit satellites, which operate at a higher altitude than LEO and are used for navigation systems like GPS.
– EMEA: Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, a regional designation used in business and economics.

Suggested Related Links

– For further information on satellite communication technology, you may visit NASA.
– To explore advancements in global communication, refer to ITU (International Telecommunication Union).
– For updates on market research and economic development, consider visiting The World Bank.

Reporting, Research and Insightful Analysis
This market report is grounded in comprehensive research methodologies and presents an insightful analysis of the dynamic satellite communication equipment industry. The analysis provides stakeholders with a detailed understanding of market trends, opportunities, and potential challenges, supported by data segmentation that encompasses equipment type, technology, product, and end-user industries. The investigation into the expansion of the market in various regions and industries underlines the depth of the report’s scope.

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Satellite communication is changing the way we connect with each other, industry, content, healthcare and other facets of the modern world. For Mary Porter, a 78-year-old grandmother living in the mountains of Burnt Ranch, California, it’s also what allows her to live the life she loves.

Mary’s small mountain town is two hours away from the nearest large community. Without satellite communication service, she’d be unable to communicate with her loved ones or feel safe during weather events that occur in her region, from wildfires to snowstorms and more.

“Thank God I had my computer,” Mary said as she recalled a recent wildfire that burned within three miles of her home. “I hooked it up to my generator and I didn’t feel alone. I wasn’t scared because I could talk to people. A couple weeks ago, we had a snowstorm that knocked down trees, power lines and phone lines. It was horrible, but it didn’t touch my satellite dish or affect my service.”

Satellite communication plays roles in even more critical scenarios around the world. It helped to keep Ukrainian refugees in contact with loved ones after being displaced by war, and it powered disaster response and business recovery after Hurricane Harvey.

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the growing role of satellite communication in keeping our modern world reliably connected, its many use cases, and the benefits it delivers to customers.

Quick takeaways:

● Broadband satellite internet uses satellites in various orbits to create communication links between different places on Earth.

● Satellite internet is increasingly playing a more central role in providing internet around the world and has benefits beyond augmenting terrestrial connectivity.

● Key benefits of satellite internet include broad coverage, high adaptability, on-the-go connectivity, greater military situational awareness, flexible business operations, resiliency, speed-to-deployment and even cost of deployment in many areas.

● Important applications of satellite communication service range from residential home internet in underserved areas to life-or-death scenarios, like disaster response and military combat.

Understanding satellite communication in 2023

Satellite communication service works by leveraging artificial satellites to create communication links between different points on Earth. Positioned in various orbits, satellites receive and transmit signals, ensuring continuous connectivity to serve a variety of important applications.

Here’s how it works:

● Ground stations to satellites: Signals originate from ground-based stations and are directed towards satellites, termed the “uplink.”

● Satellite relaying: Upon receipt, the satellite amplifies this signal and reroutes it back to the intended location on Earth – the “downlink.”

● End user communication: Various devices, like smartphones, computers, tablets, radios (and more), can interpret these signals to facilitate communication or data transmission.

How satellite commucation works infographic

Internet connectivity is now a fundamental need in order to participate in society and satellite communication is enabling important progress in key areas such as:

● Closing the digital divide: Satellites make it possible to connect even the hardest-to-reach places on Earth, driving digital inclusion and digital literacy in traditionally underserved areas.

● Connecting moving vessels: Satellite connectivity powers connectivity in moving aircraft and maritime vessels so people can stay connected while they travel from place to place.

● Powering modern operations: From international business to defense communications, satellite internet makes organizations more agile and enables connectivity between remote and decentralized teams.

● Enhancing disaster response and recovery: Satellite communication can be quickly adopted to enhance disaster relief efficiency, keeping teams connected even during events like natural disasters or political conflicts.

Going forward, satellite communication will no doubt continue to play an even bigger role in the way our world communicates and stays connected.

Benefits of satellite communication service

Satellite communication service offers more flexible, scalable, and wide-reaching internet connectivity than any other internet connectivity methods or providers. Here are some of the most important benefits it providers to customers:

Broad and global coverage

Satellite communication isn’t bound by terrestrial limitations. It can provide connectivity even in remote corners of the world. From dense urban areas to islands or deserts, satellite networks ensure that geography doesn’t dictate digital accessibility.

Steadfast reliability

Unlike traditional land-based networks that can be susceptible to natural disasters or infrastructural failures, satellites offer more resilient connectivity solutions. This ensures that users have a dependable communication channel even during unexpected challenges or events.

High levels of adaptability

Satellite communication service can serve diverse bandwidth requirements and cater to various user densities, from sparsely populated rural areas to crowded cities.

Additionally, with advancements in technology, satellite systems can be quickly reconfigured or augmented to address changing user needs or to integrate with other evolving technologies, ensuring they remain relevant and efficient in dynamic environments.

On-the-go connectivity

One of the standout features of satellite communication is its ability to provide seamless connectivity for moving vessels. Ships, airplanes, and automobiles can all use satellite internet to stay connected while moving, allowing for everything from in-flight streaming entertainment, GPS navigation, easier personal communication while traveling, and better defense communication.

Digital literacy and inclusion

Satellite communication service in remote and underserved areas is helping to drive greater digital inclusion and literacy in communities where it’s most needed. This fosters greater equity in areas such as education, employment, healthcare access, and civic engagement.

Military situational awareness

In sectors like defense, where real-time and consistent communication can be the difference between mission success or failure, satellite services are indispensable by helping facilitate mission-critical decisions.

At the same time, they power better situational awareness[1] so military personnel in the field can remain ahead of potential threats.

Enhanced business operations

Today, businesses are operating with increasingly flexible and largely remote or hybrid working models. Teams need to be connected reliably, even when they’re in different locations, for business operations to run smoothly. Satellite communication services make this possible with greater reliability.

Looking ahead at the future of satellite connectivity

The role of satellite communication service in powering global connectivity is undeniable. In the future, as satellite technologies and innovations continue to advance, this role will only intensify. From delivering the convenience of connectivity on-the-go, to enhancing digital inclusion and equity, to providing reliable connectivity in disaster recovery, satellite internet has become indispensable in our modern world.

Additionally, the future of satellite communication will evolve into a more hybrid approach. By using a “network of networks,” satellite communication will be extended to provide more agile connectivity. By layering together many space communications systems of various types into a global, multi-layered network, will enable automated, intelligent routing and re-routing of communications across multiple network assets, frequency bands, and transport layers.

Learn more about Viasat’s satellite communication innovations

Space internet has the reputation for slow service. With its questionable signal strength and hardly Netflix-friendly bandwidth, the internet that’s beamed down from low-Earth orbit is the kind of thing you only turn to as a last resort or if you’re stuck on a long-haul flight. But in 2023, satellite-based internet is getting a major revamp.

Private companies and governments are getting serious about their space internet projects. This year, SpaceX has planned multiple launches, like the one with 51 satellites that is scheduled to take off later tonight from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, that will send satellites into orbit to support its Starlink network. Each new batch joins the thousands of satellites SpaceX has already sent into orbit, including those of Starlink competitor, OneWeb. Amazon, meanwhile, plans to incorporate more than 3,000 satellites into its Project Kuiper satellite internet constellation and should launch its prototype satellites early this year. The European Union has said its proposed satellite network, Iriss, could include up to 170 satellites, which are scheduled to enter low-Earth orbit between 2025 and 2027. Inspired by the use of Starlink terminals in the war on Ukraine, Taiwan is now reportedly looking for investors to fund its own domestic satellite network.

Thanks to the rise of the commercial space industry, the cost of space launches has declined tremendously over the past few years. Satellites themselves are getting cheaper, too. As a result, it has become much more feasible to hire rocket companies to put commercial satellites into orbit, clearing the way for constellations of satellites that can provide far faster internet service than older satellite-based internet technology, which typically relies on one or two satellites that orbit the planet. While satellite-based internet isn’t necessarily set up to displace the service provided by cell towers or fiber optic cables, it could still play a role in the broader networks that lots of people use every day, adding more capacity and extending coverage.

The expected surge in new satellites will make space internet a bigger presence in our day-to-day lives this year. T-Mobile is planning to use Starlink’s network to expand its coverage in dead zones, and SpaceX is encouraging other mobile providers to connect their networks to the heavens. Amazon’s Project Kuiper, once it launches, is designed to bolster Verizon’s 4G, LTE, and 5G networks, a spokesperson told Recode. Even planes and boats are getting on board with the idea: Starlink has already made its internet available on private jets and some cruise ships, and Delta announced earlier this month that it will make in-flight wifi free for all SkyMiles members, thanks to a partnership with T-Mobile and the geostationary satellite provider Viasat.

A streak of light across a dark star-filled sky as light appears over the horizon. — Sometimes, internet satellite constellations are visible in the night sky.

Satellite internet can be a real upgrade for people living or traveling in remote areas, according to Sylwia Kechiche, a principal industry analyst for enterprise at the network intelligence firm Ookla. “Think about the outskirts of the city when you don’t have such a good infrastructure anymore, and you can’t get very good speed because there’s no fiber in there, or no cable, as well,” she said.

But the new era will create new hurdles, too. Equipment that’s capable of next-generation satellite connections is still expensive, and may stand in the way of using the technology to close the digital divide — the disparity between those who can access high-quality internet and those who can’t — in the US and around the world. Low-Earth orbit, or the portion of space that’s within 1,200 miles or less of the Earth, is already crowded, and there are mounting concerns that the surge in commercial satellites will exacerbate our space trash problem and, due to their brightness, block astronomers’ view of the night sky. As multiple networks gear up to launch more and more satellites into space, regulators are preparing for a battle over physical space in orbit as well as the bands of spectrum that wireless satellite internet providers will need to operate their services. And even if things have generally gotten less expensive, there’s still the matter of figuring out where and when using satellites makes real financial sense.

“Most city dwellers can take broadband connectivity via terrestrial networks for granted. This is not the case for rural areas or most of the developing world,” explained Scott Pace, the director of George Washington University’s Space Policy Institute. “Space systems don’t replace existing terrestrial systems as much as they augment and deepen the scale and resilience of internet services in new ways.”

The satellite renaissance

For the past few decades, satellite internet has mostly relied on geostationary satellites. These satellites orbit at an altitude of about 22,000 miles, which means they always appear to be in the same position if you’re looking up from Earth — hence the name geostationary. Because these internet-beaming satellites are so far away, they can cover broad swaths of the Earth’s surface. For the same reason, however, the connection these satellites provide can also be extremely slow, as anyone who has used satellite internet on a plane will tell you.

The new Starlink satellites whizzing around Earth work differently. Operating at a much lower altitude, each satellite provides less coverage, so companies launch hundreds or thousands of them into space in batches, creating constellations of satellites in orbit. So while a geostationary satellite might resemble a fixed star from here on the ground, newer satellites look more like shooting stars, according to Whitney Lohmeyer, an engineering professor and satellite industry consultant. If you’re lucky, you can sometimes catch a view of these satellites soaring across the night sky.

“As you bring it closer to the surface ... the footprint shrinks,” Lohmeyer told Recode. “That’s why it takes more satellites in the LEO constellation to provide global coverage.”

For the time being, SpaceX is the leader in this new internet age. The company is responsible for almost half of the total active satellites orbiting Earth, and its Starlink internet service, which is now available in dozens of countries, hit 1 million users in December. Still, some think that Amazon, despite not having launched any satellite of its own yet, might eventually be at an advantage because the company could hook its space internet up to its already enormous cloud business, Amazon Web Services.

Companies you don’t usually hear about are also joining the satellite gold rush. Apple worked with Globalstar, a low-Earth satellite network founded in 1991, to launch a new satellite service that provides emergency service when other cellular networks aren’t available on iPhone 14 models (Apple invested $450 million in the company in November). To launch a similar feature on certain Android phones, Qualcomm is working with another satellite firm called Iridium. But even though our devices connect to satellites all the time for services like GPS, these more-advanced features will require new hardware that most of today’s phones don’t have.

Changes are also coming to older satellite-based internet providers. Don Buchman, an executive at Viasat, a nearly four-decade-old geostationary satellite network, told Recode that the company plans to launch a new, next-generation satellite in the first quarter of this year and that another two should launch in the following 12 months. The expansion is supposed to increase the company’s capacity by 600 percent, and each new satellite could carry at least a terabit of data per second. Viasat already provides satellite internet to several major airlines.

Challenges ahead

Right now, companies are laying the groundwork for the future of the space internet industry — sometimes literally, in the form of new ground stations to support the new satellites. They’re also creating all sorts of unexpected opportunities, including satellite-focused jobs. For example, Amazon is opening a facility primarily focused on manufacturing new satellites, a sector that the company says it’s still pursuing even amid company-wide layoffs.

But the arrival of these new satellites has raised real questions. One space researcher suggested in 2021 that Starlink satellites, though they’re outfitted with autonomous collision avoidance systems, already constitute a large share of close encounters between objects in low-Earth orbit. Space trash in this congested region of outer space is a growing problem, and there’s concern that installing many more satellites will only make the problem worse. These satellites risk crashing into each other or any of the tens of thousands of pieces of orbital debris whirling around Earth. This would create even more space debris.

“Orbital highways are finite in number, and there is a carrying capacity for every single orbital highway that we’ve yet to measure,” Moriba Jah, the chief scientist and co-founder of Privateer Space, told Recode. “This carrying capacity is just like highways on the Earth or finite plots of land.”

The challenge of regulating these services is so great that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced a proposal to create a specially focused space bureau. The agency is currently in charge of regulating spectrum, which has already become a point of tension between providers like OneWeb and SpaceX, as well as companies like Dish. The FCC also recently rescinded a nearly $1 billion SpaceX subsidy aimed at addressing the digital divide, after the agency found the technology wasn’t ready.

Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees the many rocket launches required to send these satellites to space. The agency also has to approve satellite-based internet service for airplanes. For commercial passenger aircraft, airlines installing these systems have to show the agency that new technologies don’t interfere with a plane’s communications and safety systems.

As is the case with in-flight wifi, satellite-based internet is often truly beneficial in specific use cases. And it’s expensive. To set up Starlink, for example, customers need to spend $599 for a terminal and then $110 every month, which is more expensive than many broadband services. Beyond the high cost of the equipment and service, satellite internet isn’t always the most dependable, and there’s limited capacity.

“We can see some real-world promises and applications,” said Harold Feld, the senior vice president at the nonprofit Public Knowledge, which focuses on promoting digital competition. “As you start to deploy and you get into the details, you start to discover some real limitations as well.” For example, speeds for Starlink declined earlier this fall as more people signed up for the service, and the company has said it may implement high-speed data caps in the US in the future.

Satellite-based internet, however, doesn’t have to be everything for everyone to have a real impact. These services could offer a significant expansion of the wired and wireless internet service we use today. That’s a welcome advance for the many people throughout the world who aren’t hooked up to high-speed internet, as well as anyone else venturing into a less-connected area.

Should everything go according to the plans of companies like SpaceX and Amazon, their satellites will become a real form of infrastructure, ambiently connecting our devices from space on a regular basis. This new generation of internet connectivity isn’t online just yet, but the satellites that will make it possible are being launched now.

“We’re still in the early days, so we’re waiting for the iPhone effect,” Kechiche, from Ookla, told Recode. “We’re still waiting for the ‘wow’ factor and for something that’s gonna push it really far ahead.”

10 Tech Trends That Will Impact the Satellite Industry in 2024

Vivienne Machi

interactive.satellitetoday.com

As we enter 2024, the opportunities for satellite technology development seem as vast and unending as outer space itself.

Certain technology trends remain powerful drivers across the space domain year over year, such as artificial intelligence, launch capacity, and lower size, weight, and power (SWaP) initiatives. Advancements in these areas are opening up opportunities for progress in efforts related to space debris mitigation, non-GPS navigation, and multi-orbit constellations.

Via Satellite spoke to leaders and analysts across the space domain to establish 10 significant trends, both on the macro level and via individual technologies, set to impact the industry in 2024.

Climate Change as a Catalyst for EO Technologies

The market for satellite-based Earth Observation (EO) technologies has largely focused on the government and military sectors, as well as some larger enterprise sectors like oil and gas. But growing concern over the effects of climate change – and efforts to mitigate them, like environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations – will support the launch of new EO satellite technologies, including hyperspectral, infrared, microwave, and greenhouse gas monitoring, says Claude Rousseau, research director at NSR, an Analysys Mason Company.

EO companies are offering new products that target key climate change initiatives. Planet in November launched a global 30-meter resolution dataset known as the Forest Carbon Diligence solution, and plans to release a three-meter resolution version in 2024. Meanwhile, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), not traditionally known as a major space tech user, has begun harnessing satellite remote sensing data to support its biodiversity and deforestation tracking efforts.

Moreover, the EO sector has been in the global spotlight since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and even more so since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, and Tel-Aviv’s retaliatory bombings over Palestine.

Satellite-to-Cell Tech, and the Role of 3GPP

Satellite and wireless companies across the globe are exploring the potential for satellite-to-cell technology, which some analysts consider to be one of the biggest opportunities in satcom history. Smartphone makers from Apple to Huawei have incorporated emergency messaging services into their latest models, supported by satellite partners’ services. Meanwhile, Starlink plans to begin offering texting services via its Direct to Cell initiative in 2024, followed by data and call services in 2025. Even the U.S. Space Force announced plans to solicit proposals for military users to procure direct-to-cell communications services.

There have been some hiccups in this journey: Qualcomm and Iridium announced in November that they are dissolving their direct-to-device partnership, a development analysts attributed to both price point and a lack of technology standards.

The mobile standardization body 3GPP will increasingly become the reference point for satellite standards as direct-to-cell technologies come on the market, says Lluc Palerm, a principal analyst at NSR. 3GPP’s Release-17, established in 2022, included non-terrestrial networks (NTN, another word for satellite) in its mobile standard for the first time. This gave the satellite industry its first technical specifications for integrated, direct-to-device 5G over satellite, and enabling the development of narrowband and Internet of Things services over satellite with unmodified mainstream divides.

“The influence of 3GPP will only continue expanding as direct access evolves towards broadband services and expands into higher frequency bands,” says Palerm.

Multi-Orbit Constellations Enabled by Onboard Data Processing

On-board data processing speeds have increased dramatically in recent years, thanks to ever-updating artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) technologies that help data providers cull through reams of remote sensing information, drive down latency, and provide higher resolution data.

Those advancements will be a key enabler for multi-orbit constellations, which might incorporate a mixture of any of the three major orbits, as well as Cislunar Orbit, for increased connectivity and remote sensing coverage. Operators in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) have been discussing the potential of multi-orbit satellite services for years but now the concept is being demonstrated and offered to customers.

These hybrid orbits will become more viable going into 2024 as companies and governments seek resilient satellite architectures in an increasingly congested and contested space environment. “People are realizing that mixed orbits are a more powerful situational awareness tool,” says Bill Gattle, CEO of LightRidge Solutions, a private equity-backed firm producing airborne and space-based sensors for protection against on-orbit attacks for the national security community.

Proliferated LEO Constellations Moving Forward

The remainder of this decade should prove to be “a watershed period for satellite communications,” as several major planned proliferated Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations introduce service and drive adoption, notes Brooke Stokes, a partner at McKinsey Aerospace & Defense.

Three years ago, the nascent Space Development Agency’s (SDA) pitch to launch a layered network of military satellites into LEO was viewed by many in the satellite world as a non-starter. But in the short timeframe since then, those stakeholders are now seeing a shift in national security mission areas to incorporate a disaggregated proliferated-LEO concept, supported by several billions of dollars in funding for R&D, prototyping, and launching the systems in its architecture. That shift is prompting satellite manufacturers to resolve on-orbit networking challenges, and leverage commercial technology and capacity to meet the SDA’s rapid production timelines, says Sarah Schellpfeffer, Northrop Grumman Space Systems vice president and CTO.

Advances in secure networking technologies will be key to the success of the SDA’s forthcoming architecture. The agency’s director Derek Tournear says he looks forward to the next generations of High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor (HAIPE) devices and multi-level processing, “needed to enable the secure, low-latency, high throughput delivery of mission data to the tactical edge” via the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, or PWSA. Those devices will also need to support interoperability of not only the PWSA satellites in orbit, but also the capability and data provided by mission partner commercial providers, the agency says.

In-Space Manufacturing

A growing number of entities, both commercial and government, are looking at in-space manufacturing as the future for developing critical components for computers and pharmaceuticals, with the number of patents with the word “microgravity” in the title or abstract increasing from 21 in 2000, to 155 in 2020, according to data gathered by McKinsey.

U.K.-based Space Forge is moving forward to building the first in-space foundry to manufacture critical semiconductor substrates among the stars, that would provide superior performance and reduced defects compared to those made on Earth.

As with Earth Observation technologies, the global climate crisis will help make the business case for in-space manufacturing, as it has the potential to take the climate impact of manufacturing off Earth, says Andrew Parlock, managing director for Space Forge US. The company claims its foundry in space would result in a 60 percent reduction in energy consumption, and equate to 15 tons of “carbon negative” technology.

Industrialization of Satellite Production

The satellite industry has made big promises to deliver on in the next few years to scale up constellations. “We are paying close attention to companies’ abilities to get up the learning curve on production, be it for thousands of satellites, optical terminals, solar panels, or rockets,” says Stokes, from McKinsey. “This includes designing for modularity and incorporating new manufacturing processes.”

Advancements in technologies including 3D printing and digital twins will continue to help producers optimize satellite designs, while improvements in processing power, data storage, cameras technology, miniaturization, and other systems are helping companies build systems that are cheaper to build, and easier to launch and troubleshoot.

In order to scale up manufacturing, Belgium-based manufacturer Aerospacelab is buying components meant for the automotive industry, and “up-qualifying” those components, like magnetic sensors, for the radiation environment in space.

Doing so means the company isn’t limited to a narrow supply chain of providers for many electrical, electronic, and electro-mechanical (EEE) components, says Tina Ghataore, CEO for the company’s U.S. subsidiary Aerospacelab Inc.

With the advent of proliferated LEO architectures, satellite manufacturers are trending away from the 16U cubesat mode, Ghataore observes. As companies are intent on contributing to the SDA’s PWSA and commercial broadband constellations, manufacturers are moving toward larger satellite platforms that can be tailored to the varied mission needs.

“We’re not forcing payloads to fit in a platform; we’re wrapping the platform around the payload,” Ghataore says. “Power is the driver for our satellite and launch vehicle accommodation.”

Space Debris Removal Gains U.S. Government Interest

U.S. Space Force officials have warned of the increasingly challenging nature of tracking orbital debris, as the expanding amount of satellites in orbit prompt concerns about where all of those systems will go at the end of their lifespans. And while satellites based in GEO have traditionally been moved to “parking” orbits, and LEO-based systems are pushed into Earth’s atmosphere to disintegrate, more needs to be done to explore debris mitigation for systems in Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO), stakeholders say.

The U.S. government is showing its interest in space debris mitigation across multiple entities. The Air Force is investing in active debris removal technology via the SPACEWERX Orbital Prime initiative, recently awarding Kall Morris Int. (KMI) $4.75 million to further the startup’s tech development and commercialization efforts. In early November, the Senate passed the Orbits Act, which if enacted, would launch a program dedicated to debris mitigation, and establish orbital debris standards. The Commerce Space Act of 2023, introduced that same month by House Republicans, also requires any U.S. mission to include a debris mitigation strategy.

Technology to Support Sustainable Space Operations

Alongside spade debris mitigation, satellite operators and manufacturers are seeing an increased interest in space system sustainability, via in-space servicing technology that can extend the service life of a given satellite.

“As space becomes increasingly congested and our space assets face greater risk of collision, the decades-long satellite cycle of launch, discard, and launch again is an unsafe, uneconomical, and unsustainable model for the future of space,” says Northrop Grumman’s Schellpfeffer.

Northrop Grumman currently has two Mission Extension Vehicles in orbit today, and Mission Extension Pods scheduled to launch, all intended to extend the lives of satellites that were designed without prepared interfaces for servicing. In the future, new satellites launched could be built with interfaces or plug-in ports, ideal for refueling, power, and data upgrades, she notes.

An increasing number of satellites are now equipped with thrusters, says Melissa Quinn, general manager for Seradata, a Slingshot Aerospace company. The onboard propulsion is giving satellite operators “a new tool to keep their spacecraft safe during flight – and to sustainably de-orbit their satellites at the end of their lifespan,” she says.

GPS-Denied Navigation Technologies

GPS, completely ubiquitous and indispensable in our modern world, has become extremely vulnerable in the age of satellite jamming and spoofing. Since China’s BeiDou Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reached full global coverage in 2020, Beijing is encouraging foreign nations to incorporate its system for civilian usage. Chinese reports indicate that BeiDou products are being used in over 120 countries as of 2022.

As the DoD and other militaries develop next-generation weapons and aircraft systems, sensors that can provide accuracy and guidance in GPS-denied environments will become more essential. NATO’s Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), established in 2022, cited GPS-denied environments as a key technology hurdle it seeks to tackle, as it connects to dual-tech startups and nontraditional actors across its member nations.

Many proliferated architecture leaders are developing or considering an alternate-GPS path or forwarding timing signals within the constellation, using both ground- or space-based techniques, or a combination of the two, notes Lightridge’s Gattle. Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine-learning, along with the use of 3D mapping and onboard sensors could help make strides in this sector in 2024. Companies like Saab and Maxar are introducing new anti-GPS navigation systems that combine onboard electro-optical sensors, AI-driven algorithms, terrain navigation systems, and 3D databases to allow pilots to navigate without using any GPS signal.

While perhaps a paradoxical trend for the satellite industry, the ability to conduct operations in a GPS-denied environment will continue to be a national priority.

A Tighter Budget Environment, Thanks to U.S. and Global Politics

The state of satellite technology in 2024 will unquestionably be impacted by ongoing and intensifying conflicts around the globe, as well as partisan politics on Capitol Hill. As of this article’s writing, the U.S. fiscal year 2024 budgets remain constrained by a continuing resolution approved in November to keep the government funded until the new year. While continuing resolutions always cause headaches for budget planners, the Space Force in particular has its hands tied as it sought to increase its procurement spending by 13.5 percent in FY ’24, and earmarked several billion dollars for the SDA’s PWSA, along with its next phase of launch programs under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program.

Space operators, particularly in the military domain, should brace themselves for tight fiscal constraints and reduced budgets going into 2024 and beyond, says Charles Beames, executive chairman of York Space Systems, and a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and Pentagon official. Service leaders, including Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration Frank Calvelli, have called for increased firm fixed-price contracts, and for setting caps on satellite unit prices to keep costs low.

“The salad days of lots and lots of defense spending are over,” Beames says. “The Frank Calvelli/Frank Kendall approach is the right strategy for this fiscal environment.” VS

Vivienne Machi is an award-winning journalist based in Los Angeles.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Future of Global Satellite Communication: Sky is not the limit