While the space economy heavily relies on satellites and their accessories, the upstream satellite industry specifically focuses on manufacturing, launching, and maintaining these satellites in space. As downstream industry demands evolve, so will the maintenance requirements for these satellites.
From 2016 to 2020, almost half of the satellite launchers were dominated by the satellite communications (Satcom) industry. A large portion of these deployments have shifted to low earth orbit (LEO) thanks to increase commercial demands for broadband constellations. This in turn has increased demand for small satellite designs for use broadband applications and the Internet of Things (IoT).
These changes in the Satcom industry come from the shift to data-centric use cases, resulting in structural changes in manufacturing, launch services, and ground segments.
In manufacturing, the industry has innovated through High Throughput Satellites (HTS), Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS), software-defined payloads, smallsats, and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations. These developments support mass production and demand but require new ground segment infrastructure to develop in tandem.
In response, there is a rise in flat panel antenna manufacturers and ESA investments in electronically steerable antenna solutions in the ground segment. These advancements are essential for backing the upcoming Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) constellations, mainly fuelled by broadband applications.
The satcom industry’s shifts showcase its ability to adapt to new market realities and technological possibilities, paving the way for ongoing innovation and efficiency in global communications.
Join our newsletter to never miss new reports!
Space has long been integral to European society. Navigation, communication and observation systems have supported both civil and defence needs for decades – connecting communities, protecting infrastructure and enabling rapid...
The European Space Agency’s in-space transportation activities continue to progress with FLPP, ESA’s programme for future space transportation. In-Space Proof-of-Concepts (InSPoC) 2 and 3 have now completed their current phases,...
In the framework of the fourth edition of the international Health from Space Conference & Exhibition, the European Space Agency is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 EPIC...
Over the next three years, the ESA BIC programme will be implemented in Portugal through two consortia led by Instituto Pedro Nunes and Instituto Superior Técnico. The programme supports start-ups,...
Oxford spinout and London start-up selected for AI projects in carbon monitoring and space environmental intelligence Deep Planet and Space DOTS have been selected as the first cohort of the...