COMMSAT

Internet connectivity is the lifeline of the modern world, connecting people all across the globe with the click of a button. What started as Dial-up-phone lines back in the early 2000s has now evolved to a more mature technology with wireless connectivity and the upcoming 5G technology. However, advancement in connectivity doesn’t mean it offers coverage over a large geographic area; which is either difficult or expensive to achieve on ground. Space on the other hand is a different story altogether. One of the latest trends bridging the gap between technology and its demand is satellite connectivity and it is being fulfilled by small satellites (usually weighing up to 400 kilos). The global small satellite market is valued at $3,251.9 million in 2020 and is projected to reach $13.7 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 16.4%

Satellites were traditionally launched by government space agencies for carrying out specific tasks pertaining to weather monitoring, navigation, telecommunication and space exploration to name a few. Conventional geosynchronous satellites are large and launched into Medium Earth Orbits (MEO), thus costing more. On the other hand, satellite constellations comprise of a groups of small satellites at Low Earth Orbit (LEO) generally ranging from 100 to 620 miles. By working together close to the ground, satellite constellations address one of the most significant limitations of geosynchronous systems: high latency. Commsat is a leading private satellite technology company based in Beijing providing enterprises and governments with LEO commercial satellites to build a “base station” for the Internet of Everything. Founded by Xie Tao in 2015, the company designs, builds and operates LEO satellite constellations fit for purpose. “Our highly customized, Satellite-as-a-Service business comprises of LEO satellite manufacturing and in-orbit delivery, LEO constellation design and building, satellite terminal applications and industry solutions, as well as space science education systems,” says Tao.

In terms of space applications, Commsat caters to the emergency sector by providing remote sensing and high precision positioning, which improves situational awareness for the response teams reducing personnel and property loss. The satellites also support customized communication terminals in both narrow and broadband frequency for the logistics sector, lowering the accident rate by 10 percent and container loss rate by 40 percent. When it comes to energy sector, Commsat helps in optimizing maintenance costs and preventing equipment theft by utilizing its satellites to harness broader coverage of satellite connectivity through IoT terminals and hourly feedback. Commsat has taken up an ambitious pilot program to detect and track the activity of wild giant pandas and elephants to prevent animal husbandry by using unique animal collars.

In 2021, Commsat received $100 million strategic Investment from China Internet Investment Fund to be used for the research and development of satellite platforms, payloads, and ground terminals, accelerate industry application expansion, and further introduce cutting-edge talents in the industry. By the end of 2021, Commsat will complete the first phase of private satellite factory construction and is projected to have a production capacity of 100 satellites per year after approval from the National Development and Reform Commission. “Satellite industry is about to enter a period of large scale outbreak. Soon, we will be able to produce satellites like cars,” says Tao, who hopes to become the core supplier of the industry chain.

Another ambitious goal set by the company is to achieve global 6G network coverage by 2030, enabling the transition from Internet of Everything to Intelligent Connection of Everything. Unlike the previous five generations of mobile communications, which were mainly ground communications, satellite networks in the 6G era will assume a more spatial role. In this plan, the significant difference between 6G and 5G systems is that it clearly proposes to achieve ‘seamless global coverage’ and build an ‘inclusive and intelligent human society’