{"id":65877,"date":"2018-03-14T01:32:03","date_gmt":"2018-03-13T17:32:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/execution-key-for-longevity-of-smallsats-in-the-space-economy\/"},"modified":"2018-03-14T01:32:03","modified_gmt":"2018-03-13T17:32:03","slug":"execution-key-for-longevity-of-smallsats-in-the-space-economy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/execution-key-for-longevity-of-smallsats-in-the-space-economy\/","title":{"rendered":"Execution Key for Longevity of Smallsats in the Space Economy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Although the space industry has begun to take small satellites more seriously, a panel of experts at the SATELLITE 2018 Conference &amp; Exhibition agreed that this niche of the business is still in its beginning stages. In order for smallsat players to continue their growth trajectories and stay relevant to the broader industry, the focus must remain on \u201cexecution, execution, execution,\u201d emphasized Tyvak Nanosatellite Systems Chief Operating Officer (COO) Marco Villa.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have to not fool ourselves that we\u2019ve accomplished anything. We just achieved the possibility to be at the table and speak as grown adults,\u201d Villa said during a discussion on improving the power and performance of smallsats. \u201c[The opportunity] is now in our hands to stay for a long time and be disruptive by executing the missions the customers are now entrusting us with.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/EirqIqcQSUfMyCDBsilA_ShowDaily18_Cover_Day2_DGTL-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"width: 120px; height: auto;\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/EirqIqcQSUfMyCDBsilA_ShowDaily18_Cover_Day2_DGTL-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/EirqIqcQSUfMyCDBsilA_ShowDaily18_Cover_Day2_DGTL-800x599.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/EirqIqcQSUfMyCDBsilA_ShowDaily18_Cover_Day2_DGTL-640x480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/EirqIqcQSUfMyCDBsilA_ShowDaily18_Cover_Day2_DGTL.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"fs-5 mt-0\">Explore the Show Daily 2018 Day 2 Issue<\/h3>\n<p class=\"mb-0 fs-smaller text-balance\">Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t<button class=\"btn btn-primary\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"offcanvas\" data-bs-target=\"#offcanvasMENU\" aria-controls=\"offcanvasExample\" aria-label=\"button\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\tView More <i class=\"bi bi-arrow-right-circle\"><\/i><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/button><\/p>\n<p>According to Elizabeth Driscoll, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of GomSpace North America, the attitude toward smallsats has changed largely due to the significant improvements in technology the industry has seen over the last few years. \u201cFifteen years ago, [smallsats] were toys, and you couldn\u2019t build a business case against those capabilities. Now we can do really useful things \u2014 we can take pictures of the whole globe in a couple of hours \u2026 you can track signals from aircraft [traveling] across the ocean in a way that\u2019s much more pervasive,\u201d she said. These new capabilities are allowing smallsats the opportunity to engage with \u201cindustries that haven\u2019t thought about using space before.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, as satellite technology has evolved, so too have mission demands from both a government and commercial perspective. Governments are looking to reformulate traditional space architectures as military threats evolve, while commercial players are looking to crack markets Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites have historically been too expensive to access \u2014 such as bringing connectivity to underserved areas. \u201cA lower capability at a lower price may be more interesting to some of those emerging communities,\u201d Driscoll said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou have to have the right technology and timing. The market fit has to be there. And the business model has to be scalable. We feel that all of those things are finally happening,\u201d added Shey Sabripour, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CesiumAstro, a manufacturer of active phased array communications systems.<\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6dac3f35267;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6dac3f35267 = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6dac3f35268').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6dac3f35268'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>For a while, Earth Observation (EO) was \u201cthe hottest thing in town\u201d for smallsat operators, Villa said. Now, companies have begun to diversify \u2014 or are forced to \u2014 due to the crowded landscape. \u201cPersonally, [Tyvak] stayed as far away as we could from that domain for the longest time because everyone was doing it. There was a very clear signal of market saturation without an understanding of what the customer was really looking for,\u201d Villa said.<\/p>\n<p>However, that is changing as smallsat operators begin to hone in on more sophisticated applications, such as \u201ctactical capabilities, as in the ability to move the satellites or take extremely high quality pictures,\u201d Villa suggested as an example. \u201cWe think that\u2019s a great complement to what bigger assets can do.\u201d As a whole, EO is migrating from a very fragmented paradigm \u2014 where one company focuses exclusively on infrared imaging or Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) \u2014 to \u201cmore cohesive and autonomous dedicated solutions that has different slices coming together,\u201d Vila said.<\/p>\n<p>The panelists agreed too that there are opportunities for smallsats to generate revenue beyond Earth orbit, although Driscoll hedged that such business cases are still somewhat difficult to evolve right now. The profitability of these missions, which are mostly scientific in nature, will come into clearer focus over the next few years, especially as NASA returns to an emphasis on cislunar missions, noted Robert Hoyt, Tethers Unlimited CEO.<\/p>\n<p>Driscroll pointed out that 2018 will be a significant year for smallsats due to the bevy of dedicated launchers on the verge of their commercial debuts. \u201cThere are many companies who are looking at cheaper, smaller launches to service the smallsat industry. If even one of those companies is successful, that\u2019s a game changer for satellites,\u201d she said. \u201cCost is one thing \u2014 that\u2019s manageable \u2014 the issue tends to be predictability and control.\u201d <strong>VS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>,<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">In This Issue<\/h2>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 334:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/ZmVUz4z0T7mijICUJEff_Shotwell202017-300x201.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/ZmVUz4z0T7mijICUJEff_Shotwell202017-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/ZmVUz4z0T7mijICUJEff_Shotwell202017-800x537.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/ZmVUz4z0T7mijICUJEff_Shotwell202017-640x430.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/ZmVUz4z0T7mijICUJEff_Shotwell202017.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t2017 Satellite Executive of the Year: Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO, SpaceX<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3 d-block d-md-none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 331:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/iIrN3usJSNanbRXK0s5Z_IMG_9042-300x225.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/iIrN3usJSNanbRXK0s5Z_IMG_9042-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/iIrN3usJSNanbRXK0s5Z_IMG_9042-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/iIrN3usJSNanbRXK0s5Z_IMG_9042-640x480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/iIrN3usJSNanbRXK0s5Z_IMG_9042.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tLEO Constellation Prospects Dominate Opening Panel at SATELLITE 2018<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 335:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"198\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/bwII8ZCGQtOIxwisnBj2_SatShowInsights_MG_9294-300x198.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/bwII8ZCGQtOIxwisnBj2_SatShowInsights_MG_9294-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/bwII8ZCGQtOIxwisnBj2_SatShowInsights_MG_9294-800x527.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/bwII8ZCGQtOIxwisnBj2_SatShowInsights_MG_9294-640x422.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/bwII8ZCGQtOIxwisnBj2_SatShowInsights_MG_9294.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tSatShow Insights \u2013 Day 1<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3 d-block d-md-none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 333:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/uHC1kEFSFe2CyBFMO4SJ_Story3_MG_9477-300x200.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/uHC1kEFSFe2CyBFMO4SJ_Story3_MG_9477-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/uHC1kEFSFe2CyBFMO4SJ_Story3_MG_9477-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/uHC1kEFSFe2CyBFMO4SJ_Story3_MG_9477-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/uHC1kEFSFe2CyBFMO4SJ_Story3_MG_9477.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tThe Trials and Tribulations of HTS Finance<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although the space industry has begun to take small satellites more seriously, a panel of experts at the SATELLITE 2018 Conference &amp; Exhibition agreed that this niche of the business is still in its beginning stages. In order for smallsat players to continue their growth trajectories and stay relevant to the broader industry, the focus [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":65880,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-65877","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65877"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=65877"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65877\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/65880"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65877"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65877"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65877"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}