The global space sector is witnessing remarkable growth due to evolving supply and demand dynamics, disruptive innovations, and transformative business models. Like other major industries, such as automotive and aeronautics, the space industry has recognized the vital role of digital technologies in fostering this growth. The focus has shifted from hardware to software, as hardware has become less differentiated and more commoditized.
A global market report titled “Software-first satellites: essential growth lever for space” prepared by ReOrbit in collaboration with Euroconsult sheds light on the paradigm shift brought about by New Space. This shift has facilitated widespread access to affordable space technologies and services, resulting in a significant boost to the overall market potential.
The report highlights that the space industry is entering an era of horizontal consolidation and vertical cooperation. Market players are seeking partnerships along the value chain, aiming to limit competition intensity.
The second and final chapter of the report delves into the digital transition in the space industry, drawing lessons from other industries. It emphasizes the essential role of software in ensuring flexible satellites and enabling integrated, high-performance, and resilient networks. The report outlines four key benefits, along with challenges and trade-offs associated with a software-first approach.
According to Sethu Saveda Suvanam, CEO & Founder of ReOrbit, embracing a satellite design philosophy that emphasizes data sharing and communication between satellites is crucial. Satellites should not only communicate from space to the ground but also from space to space. Suvanam asserts that a flexible software-first architecture is the key to achieving this. ReOrbit’s flight software makes their satellites highly autonomous, interconnected, reconfigurable, and serviceable, resulting in optimized solutions for efficiency, connectivity, and security.
The report can be accessed at: www.reorbit.space/report-software-first-satellites.
ReOrbit is a company specializing in the development of autonomous and interconnected satellites optimized for efficient and reliable space-related data delivery. They collaborate with prominent entities in security, satcom, and Earth observation. The company’s technology is supported by Business Finland, the European Space Agency, and the European Commission. Established in 2019, ReOrbit is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, with additional offices in Sweden and Argentina. For more information, please visit https://www.reorbit.space/.