The latest update of Euroconsult‘s “Prospects for the Small Satellite Market” was released this week by Euroconsult, forecasting further growth in the global supply and demand of government, commercial and academic satellites weighing up to 500 kg.

The market intelligence report, now in its 8th edition, anticipates that about 18,500 smallsats will be launched during the 2022-2031 timeframe, representing about 365 tons per year, i.e., one ton per day to be launched on average over the next ten years. However, the smallsat market presents a growing number of challenges such as high inflation, limited market addressability, difficult profitability, oversupply risk and concentration of the market by a handful of established players.

The main driver for continued growth at times of macro-economic uncertainty due to the war in Ukraine, the COVID pandemic, disrupted supply chains, high inflation and central bank monetary policy changes remains NGSO constellations, driven by LEO broadband and Earth Observation (EO) and the continuous necessity for replenishment launches. Of all smallsats to be launched over 2022-2031, 81% are expected to be part of constellations.

Alexandre Najjar, Senior Consultant at Euroconsult, said, “While the war has had severe consequences on players that have part of their supply chains in Russia or Ukraine, it has demonstrated the value of smallsat applications, enabling commercial operators to showcase their capabilities and the merits of their constellations. Consequently, a growing number of government agencies are considering investing in their own smallsat systems or dedicating a budget to the procurement of commercial third-party smallsat-based services, supporting growth of the sector. However, growth in numbers, mass and value will not prevent high inflation and supply chain disruptions from impacting constellation materialization probability by inflating the capex and lead times of smallsat projects. We anticipate that stakeholders that have yet to raise significant amounts of capital will likely face a difficult situation, leading to smaller constellations, cancelled projects and scope reductions, as well as consolidation between players. Smallsats still represent a significant capability building opportunity for new entrants in the space sector, and the war in Ukraine has put the spotlight on the value proposition enabled by commercial satcom and Earth observation smallsat constellations, showcasing their merits around the world. A growing number of governments and commercial ventures alike ramp up their investments in small satellite systems and services, as well as manufacturing and launch capacities.”

The smallsat manufacturing and launch market value will quadruple over the next decade, to $56 billion and $29 billion respectively, driven by the multiplication of constellation projects from both commercial and government stakeholders. Euroconsult has released its updated findings at a time of smallsat mega-factory multiplication in various nations across the world, initiated in the U.S. and China.

Flagship examples of LEO broadband constellations, such as SpaceX’s Starlink and China’s GuoWang, account for more than half (53%) of the projected demand over 2022-2031 in units. Readers are therefore advised to go beyond raw numbers as vertical integration keeps growing with numerous players seeking to manufacture, operate and launch their own smallsats. Significant future market shares are now captive of a region, country or of an integrator and/or launch provider, challenging both commercial satellite integrators and launch providers which see more of their target customers not only leaving their addressable market, but also competing with their own services.

The updated report comes with an option to access premium features, including Euroconsult’s Smallsat Constellation Database and its new Launcher Database – exclusive access to Euroconsult’s databases for the first time in its history.

Other valuable updates to Prospects for the Small Satellite Market include a reviewed and refined pricing model for manufacturing and launch prices, most notably with regards to inflation-driven cost and price increases already witnessed in the manufacturing and launch industries and anticipated in coming years. The Euroconsult report incorporates new content to help give decision makers key knowledge in this area, as well as a reviewed and up-to-date forecast accounting for the economic situation and the ongoing impact of COVID-19.

Discover more about the report and the table of contents by downloading the free extract of the report at this direct link…

Recently, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to initiate a feasibility study on building a national satellite infrastructure for ocean surveillance.

In collaboration with the Norwegian Maritime Authority, the Norwegian Space Agency (NoSA) will facilitate the development of a constellation of national smallsats for maritime surveillance – Arctic Ocean Surveillance Constellation (AOS) – delivered and operated by Norwegian actors.

The goal is to develop national suitability for space-based maritime surveillance capacity. The first part of the development of AOS will be carried out as a Norwegian industrial project in ESA. The goal of the ESA-project is to develop the Norwegian space industry across the entire value chain.

KONGSBERG has signed a contract with ESA for a feasibility study for AOS. The feasibility study is the first phase in the AOS project and alongside other studies, it will form the basis for an announcement in open competition for the realization of AOS. KONGSBERG will involve the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment (FFI) and other Norwegian industrial aerospace actors in the implementation of the feasibility study.

KONGSBERG now takes a leading position in the development of a complete national industrial value chain for space-based infrastructure and services for small satellites and a Norwegian, internationally competitive, space industry.

“The AOS study will build on the collaboration with FFI, Seatex, EIDEL and Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) connected to the realization of the three satellites Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace already have invested in. With an increased number of satellites and with other sensors in addition to the navigation radar detector and AIS, the AOS constellation will further strengthen the monitoring of national interests in the High North,” said Aage Sørensen, Senior System Engineer for Emerging Products in KONGSBERG.

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) (NYSE: NOC) has selected Airbus U.S. Space & Defense Inc. as the commercial provider of satellite platforms for NGC’s proliferated-LEO constellation. Under the terms of the contract, Airbus U.S. will supply 42 satellite “bus” platforms, as well as support vehicle assembly, integration and testing.

Northrop Grumman’s T1TL mesh satellite constellation will provide resilient, low-latency, high-volume data transport supporting U.S. military missions around the world and serve as a critical element for Joint-All Domain Command Control. In May, Northrop Grumman announced the selection of Mynaric and Innoflight as its suppliers for laser communications and encryption, decryption capabilities.

The Space Development Agency (SDA) selected Northrop Grumman in February to develop and field a portion of its Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) constellation. The T1TL network will deliver persistent, secure connectivity for the U.S. military and serve as a critical element for Joint All-Domain Command and Control.

Derived from the flight-proven ARROW platform, the Airbus U.S. solution expands on its commoditized satellite bus design providing more power and a larger payload accommodation. This modular solution offers a scalable 300 – 500 kg. bus for the Northrop Grumman payload and future U.S. Government missions.

Airbus U.S. has designed a highly adaptable spacecraft platform and will use Airbus OneWeb Satellites (AOS), the Airbus U.S. and OneWeb joint venture in Merritt Island, Florida, to assemble it using their state-of-the-art production line. This line is currently delivering up to two satellites per day to OneWeb. AOS achieves this industry-leading result through its mature supply chain and manufacturing approach. To date, this facility has already produced over 400 of the 648 satellites on order for OneWeb.

“The addition of Airbus U.S. as one of our key commercial suppliers complements our end-to-end satellite system integration and heritage communication mission expertise,” said Blake Bullock, vice president, communication systems, strategic space systems, Northrop Grumman.

“The SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer is a critical national security program, and we are honored to support Northrop Grumman and the Space Development Agency,” said Rob Geckle, President and CEO of Airbus U.S. Space and Defense. “This award underscores Airbus U.S.’s mission to develop and deliver, in the U.S., technology critical to the U.S. warfighter.”

Northrop Grumman is a technology company, focused on global security and human discovery. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with capabilities they need to connect, advance, and protect the U.S. and its allies. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 90,000 employees define possible every day.

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, and operating under a Special Security Agreement (SSA), Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. offers advanced solutions to meet the most complex U.S. defense, security, space, and intelligence requirements. A long time U.S. government partner, Airbus U.S. leverages world-class satellite, laser communication, rotary and fixed wing solutions to help its National Security focused customers meet their missions.

These twin missions will be a demonstration of responsive launch under NRO’s Rapid Acquisition of a Small Rocket (RASR) contract for launching small satellite through a streamlined, commercial approach, and are the third and fourth missions contracted to Rocket Lab by the NRO under the contract.

Rocket Lab USA, Inc’s (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”) latest announcement is that their next two launches will be responsive space missions for the United States Government’s National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). Rocket Lab is a leading launch and space systems company.

Launching from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on two Electron rockets, Rocket Lab is scheduled to deploy satellites to space for the NRO within only 10 days of each other. NROL-162 (“Wise One Looks Ahead”) will launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1’s Pad A no earlier than July 12, with NROL-199 (“Antipodean Adventure”) scheduled to launch from Pad B no earlier than July 22.

The NROL-162 and NROL-199 missions will carry national security payloads designed, built, and operated by the National Reconnaissance Office in partnership with the Australian Department of Defense as part of a broad range of cooperative satellite activities with Australia. The satellites will support the NRO to provide critical information to government agencies and decision makers monitoring international issues.

These twin missions will be a demonstration of responsive launch under NRO’s Rapid Acquisition of a Small Rocket (RASR) contract for launching small satellite through a streamlined, commercial approach, and are the third and fourth missions contracted to Rocket Lab by the NRO under the contract. NROL-151 (RASR-1) was successfully deployed to space on a dedicated Electron launch in early 2020, followed by RASR-2 on another Electron launch in June 2020.

Rocket Lab CEO and founder, Peter Beck, says, “Space plays such a critical role in providing immediate insights and informing time-sensitive decisions, so a responsive, modern approach accessing orbit is crucial. This is what we’ve established with Electron and multiple launch sites – reliable rockets and multiple pads at the ready to support the national security community’s responsive space needs. Our quick turnaround for these two national security missions will be just the latest demonstration of our responsive space capability, and we’re honored to be a trusted mission partner to the NRO once again for these important RASR missions.”

Rocket Lab’s upcoming launch details

“Wise One Looks Ahead” launch details:

• Launch Window Opens: July 12, UTC
• Launch vehicle: Electron
• Customer: National Reconnaissance Office
• Launch site: Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Pad A
• Mission type: Dedicated
• Payload: NROL-162

“Antipodean Adventure” launch details:

• Launch Window Opens: July 22, UTC
• Launch vehicle: Electron
• Customer: National Reconnaissance Office
• Launch site: Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Pad B
• Mission type: Dedicated
• Payload: NROL-199

On Saturday, June 4th, Blue Origin successfully completed their fifth human spaceflight and the 21st flight for the New Shepard program.

The astronaut crew included: Evan Dick, Katya Echazarreta, Hamish Harding, Victor Correa Hespanha, Jaison Robinson, and Victor Vescovo.

“It was an honor to fly this special crew of explorers and true pioneers today,” said Phil Joyce, Senior Vice President, New Shepard. “Thank you to the entire New Shepard team for your tireless work and dedication to this program. Each mission is an opportunity to provide another six people the life-changing experience of witnessing the beauty and fragility of our planet from space. It’s one step in realizing our vision of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth.”

The MWIs will provide cloud and precipitation products and all-weather surface imagery to support numerical weather predictions at regional and global scales.

Omnisys, AAC Clyde Space’s new subsidiary, secured an EUR 0.47 M (approx. SEK 4.9 M) order to deliver strategic spare parts to Airbus Defence and Space for Europe’s next generation of meteorological satellites, the MetOp-SG. 

The order follows a contract in 2015 between AAC Omnisys and Airbus Defence and Space in Toulouse, France, where AAC Omisys delivered three sets of flight components, one qualification model and one spare model. From a space segment perspective, MetOp-SG is two series of satellites (Satellite-A and Satellite-B) with three satellites.  The three MetOp-SG satellites-B will be launched seven years apart, beginning in 2024. The spare components that Omnisys will deliver are related to 118 GHz receivers as part of a MicroWave Imaging radiometer (MWI) being built by Airbus Defence and Space in Toulouse and flying on all three satellites-B. The MWIs will provide cloud and precipitation products and all-weather surface imagery to support numerical weather predictions at regional and global scales.

The components are spare parts for the satellites planned to launch in 2024, 2031 and 2038. AAC Omnisys will keep the spare parts on its premises for five years, regularly testing them to ensure that they are operational. Critical front-end components have been developed together with prof. Stake’s research group at the Terahertz and Millimeter Wave Laboratory and produced in the Nanofabrication Laboratory at the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“AAC Omnisys continues to build on its strong position in technology for weather satellite missions of all sizes. As part of the MetOp program, Omnisys contributes to ensure top quality meteorological data from this European flagship mission,” says AAC Clyde Space’s CEO Luis Gomes.

In combination with advanced data analysis, the surveillance capacity will contribute to defense operations and Norway’s important role in surveillance of the High North.

Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Kongsberg) has placed an order for three microsatellites with Lithuanian mission integrator NanoAvionics for a space-based maritime surveillance mission covering the North Sea area. All three satellites will be based on NanoAvionics’s largest satellite bus, the MP42 microsatellite bus. 

The surveillance payload will consist of instrumentation developed by KONGSBERG to include ‘”Automatic Identification System” (AIS) reporting and a navigation radar detector, developed by the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), that analyses vessels’ radar use. Combining these provides an overview of ship traffic in the area, to include detection of vessels not reporting correct AIS data. 

It is the second time that FFI and NanoAvionics are working together. Previously, FFI was part of a consortium on a Norwegian-Dutch military use of space (MilSpace) mission where NanoAvionics built two nanosatellites.

“Supplying the initial satellites for the first Norwegian maritime constellation for Kongsberg, together with its more than 200 years of company history, makes this project very special to the entire team at NanoAvionics,” said Vytenis J. Buzas, co-founder and CEO of NanoAvionics. “The agreement with Kongsbergis a perfect example of our technological capabilities and proof that adding microsatellites to our portfolio was the right move. While nanosatellites are still in a high demand, it’s the microsatellites that offer new opportunities and room for more advanced missions and applications. The mission also demonstrates the continued strength of European space companies and agencies working together.

“Staying at the top of the satellite industry requires very quick deployment of innovations, especially for surveillance applications. Smallsats, like our MP42, play an enabling role in quickly deploying those monitoring assets while contributing to the security in sea waters.” 

In combination with advanced data analysis, the surveillance capacity will contribute to defense operations and Norway’s important role in surveillance of the High North. In addition, it is possible to rapidly identify vessels engaged in environmental crime, illegal fishing, smuggling and other illegal activities. Supporting search and rescue for vessels in distress are also capabilities of the constellation.

The surveillance capacity of the satellites will be enhanced by encryption software, developed by Norwegian company Eidsvoll Electronics AS, which provides secure communication for the satellites. All three satellites will be operated by KSAT (Kongsberg Satellite Services) the world’s leading provider of ground station services.  

The three satellites will form the basis for Norway’s first satellite constellation. The plan is to expand the fleet with more satellites to increase the coverage areas and revisit times, and equip them with different types of sensors for other types of data to enhance the situational awareness capabilities.

Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, said, “With this, we take a successful model from the defense industry into the space industry. Close collaboration between users, researchers and industry has created world-leading products. We are now making a similar investment with the goal of creating a Norwegian satellite adventure that will lift the Norwegian space industry. We are enthusiastic about the strong NanoAvionics capabilities to support this initiative.”

While all ships traveling in the North Sea must have active AIS to identify themselves, allowing KONGSBERG to capture their signals and map normal traffic, some vessels turn off their AIS to stay hidden. Ships wishing to remain hidden by switching off the identification equipment will still be exposed by capturing the navigation radar of the ships. Turning them off carries a high risk of colliding with other ships and obstacles in the water such as icebergs, especially at night. The advanced antenna to pick up the radar signals has been developed by FFI.

NanoAvionics’s MP42 bus is one of the first commercially available modular microsatellite buses in the industry, which had its flight-heritage mission in April 2022.  Having adopted the principles of NanoAvionics’s successful nanosat bus product line, the modular MP42 extends that experience with the same cost-efficient production approach, requiring minimal reconfiguration. The MP42 buses are highly versatile with performance capabilities optimized for remote sensing, high data throughput, complex communications missions, emergency communications, and research missions.

Astra Space, Inc. (“Astra”) (Nasdaq: ASTR) and SaxaVord UK Spaceport are partnering to increase access to space by providing dedicated orbital launch services to a growing satellite market. Subject to the entry of definitive agreements and regulatory approvals, rocket launches are expected to start in 2023.

With a flexible, mobile approach, Astra can transport and connect a fully functional launch system to a simple concrete pad for launches. SaxaVord UK Spaceport would expand Astra’s capacity at key inclinations. Together, they are expected to accelerate access to space for customers launching in the UK.

“This agreement between SaxaVord Spaceport and Astra is great news for Shetland and represents another step towards our shared ambition of bringing vertical launch satellite capability to Scotland,” said Ivan McKee, Scottish Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise. “Companies like this are vital to achieving the aims of our National Strategy for Economic Transformation that will support a nation of entrepreneurs and innovators in areas like small satellite technology and Scotland’s growing space industry.”

“Astra is an agile, fast-moving company on pace to establish a successful track record,” said Robin Huber, Director of Business Development at SaxaVord UK Spaceport. “We look forward to working with their team to build new launch capabilities in the UK. Their mission to improve life on Earth from space is closely aligned with our own values, and we believe that this exciting new relationship will develop into a strong, lasting partnership.”

“The additional inclinations, flexibility and launch capacity that this partnership enables will allow us to meet the needs of Astra’s customers and align directly with SaxaVord UK Spaceport’s economic investment and environmental goals,” said Matt Ganser, Vice President of Business Operations at Astra. “We are excited to work with this partner to open another spaceport from which we would hope to meet the growing demand for dedicated launch out of the UK.”

“This new partnership between Astra and SaxaVord UK Spaceport is another great example of the strong interest from the international space community in operating from UK spaceports,” said Matt Archer, Director of Commercial Space at the UK Space Agency. “By attracting global partners and developing a home-grown launch industry, we can cater for the diverse needs of small satellite manufacturers and operators, while benefiting people and businesses across the UK. It is fantastic to welcome Astra into the UK’s thriving launch community.”

Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Astra offers one of the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch services of any operational launch provider in the world. Astra delivered its first commercial payload into Earth orbit in 2021, making it the fastest company in history to reach this milestone, just five years after it was founded in 2016. Astra (NASDAQ: ASTR) was the first space launch company to be publicly traded on Nasdaq.

UK Spaceport SaxVord Spaceport (SaxaVord) is the UK’s first vertical satellite launch facility and ground station located at Lamba Ness in Unst, Shetland. Given Unst is the UK’s highest point of latitude, SaxaVord offers customers a geographic competitive advantage enabling unrivaled payloads per satellite, launch site operations, a network of ground stations and in-orbit data collection and analysis. SaxaVord has received endorsement from the UK Space Agency’s (UKSA) Spectre Report, formed industry-leading partnerships and has been chosen to host the UKSA’s UK Pathfinder launch, which will be delivered by Lockheed Martin and ABL Systems, in 2022. SaxaVord has secured planning permission for the launch site, which will be designed for small rockets delivering payloads into LEO. Integral to the UK’s space economy ambitions, SaxaVord is building a highly skilled workforce, championing STEM education and supporting the economic regeneration of the Shetlands.

Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP) has shipped the CENTAURI-5 satellite to Cape Canaveral in preparation for the SpaceX Transporter-5 launch.

The CENTAURI-5 spacecraft is part of a constellation commissioned by Fleet Space Technologies to deliver global connectivity solutions specifically designed for the energy, utilities and resource industries. Tyvak International, a Terran Orbital Corporation, designed and developed the spacecraft.

Fleet Space is providing the payload that consists of the world’s first, 3D printed, all-metal patch antenna array, combined with Digital Beamforming in S-Band frequency. The spacecraft is based on a Trestles platform.

CENTAURI-5 implements new antenna technologies that maximize the capabilities of smallsats in LEO. Launching large batches of smallsats drives down connectivity costs for customers while improving coverage and network resilience in areas in high need of satellite communication. The Centauri satellites are built to the 6U cubesat form factor. They weigh less than 10 kg. and are the size of a shoebox.

“Terran Orbital is ecstatic to provide innovative satellite solutions that make revolutionary constellations like Fleet Space possible,” said Terran Orbital Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, Marc Bell. “Our engineers work day in and day out to fine-tune life-changing and lifesaving missions. The energy, utility, and resource data gathered from CENTAURI-5 will not only lead to technological innovations, but also increased quality of life for people around the world.”

“CENTAURI-5, our new 3D printed all-metal patch antenna satellite, will not only provide digital beamforming in S-band frequency, but will revolutionize the New Space Industry,” said Fleet Space Technologies CEO, Flavia Tata Nardini. “We are extremely excited to launch this satellite in partnership with Terran Orbital and SpaceX. CENTAURI-5 will be the 7th satellite of our planned constellation, with another four launches upcoming. We build, we launch, and we deliver upon our promises to keep growing our satellite constellation and deliver connectivity to our customers across the globe.”

Dawn Aerospace Wins Blue Canyon’s X-SAT Saturn-Class Propulsion Business

Dawn Aerospace, a Netherlands-, New Zealand-and U.S.-based space transportation company, has been selected by Blue Canyon Technologies to provide turnkey chemical propulsion systems for the X-SAT Saturn satellite bus. Dawn will supply thrusters, tanks, control electronics, and full-service support in logistics and propellant loading for the ESPA Grande-class satellite.

Blue Canyon Technologies LLC (BCT), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies, recently celebrated its first year with Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RI&S). The investment from RI&S saw BCT invest heavily in high-volume manufacturing to enable concurrent production of 60-plus spacecraft. The company has scaled production of its CubeSat, ESPA, and ESPA Grande Microsat buses along with its components’ business to expedite spacecraft production for its clients, including NASA, U.S. Department of Defense, and many others.

“We are moving fast, and we need suppliers that can match our cadence and quality,” Stephen Steg, CEO of BCT said. “The in-space-heritage, creative thinking and solutions-focused approach we’ve seen from Dawn give us great confidence in their ability to deliver.”

“Through a modular approach, we use standardized components and production processes, including additive manufacturing, to provide custom turnkey systems in a fraction of the time and cost of our competition,” Dawn Aerospace co-founder, and Chief Revenue Officer Jeroen Wink said. “We typically deliver the first batch of flight units within 12 months, then six months or less for recurring units thereafter.”

Dawn recently announced it had been contracted to produce more than 100 thrusters for clients across the U.S., Europe, Japan, India, and Indonesia. The company also has propulsion contracts for a series of constellations, including Pixxel’s hyperspectral imaging constellation and the Indonesian Space Agency’s (LAPAN) early-tsunami warning constellation. Other contracts include the continued supply for a series of Orbital Transfer Vehicles, such as D-Orbit’s ION spacecraft and UARX’s OSSIE spacecraft.

“We are investing heavily in our people and facilities,” Wink said. “With substantial flight heritage now under our belt on multiple missions, we are scaling to meet demand.”

Blue Canyon’s X-SAT microsatellite buses offer a compact profile designed to maximize volume, mass, and power, and carry payloads up to 200 kilograms. These buses are used by a variety of customers and are built to accommodate all types of unique missions.