Democratization Of Space

Decreased costs, increased capabilities and pathbreaking innovations are making earth observation satellites more relevant to businesses and public good. 

- Anusuya Datta

There is a silent revolution happening with space technology. The ability of satellites to transform businesses and quality of life today is more relevant than ever, and associated technologies have expanded at an exponential space in the recent times.

This phenomenon, which is coming to be known as ‘democratization of space’, essentially implies that more people and/or organizations are participating in the industry. This is to say we are on the verge of a new space race where the players, technology, and services are as diverse as it is innovative.

As Anne Hale Miglarese, CEO, Radiant.Earth, puts it: “The transformation of the space industry is largely driven by innovations in launch and satellite manufacturing technology.” For instance, we have moved from a satellite launch mass of 20,000 kg to less than 4 kg in the span of 60 years. This “New Space” industry is not only defined by rapid inventions, lower costs, and ride share opportunities, but also commercially available parts and incremental development.

The sharing economy in space, already a double-digit billion-dollar industry, is one of the fundamental societal transformations that we are experiencing collectively. It relates to the shift from just large players — specifically, governments and big corporations — who operate satellites, distribute data and supply services, towards opening of the market participant aperture to include many dozens of startups that not only deploy new technologies to support traditional applications, but also develop new applications, she adds.

“We are witnessing a convergence of technologies that will revolutionize remote sensing, generating more diverse data than ever before,” points out Fritz Schlereth, Head of Product, Descartes Labs.

What are the drivers