As the space sector expands, technological and data analysis improvements will fuel additional advancements, propelling success in space exploration and terrestrial applications.
FREMONT, CA: The space sector is rapidly increasing, driven by the establishment of commercial organizations alongside government agencies in the expanding region at a new pace. Technological advancements have reduced the cost of developing space equipment and launching payloads, allowing a larger range of enterprises to engage in the space industry. Space electronics must overcome tremendous obstacles such as extreme shock levels, temperature changes, intense electromagnetic interference (EMI), and variable amounts of radiation. The intensity of radiation and heat can cause considerable issues for electronic components, resulting in higher costs, particularly when comprehensive radiation shielding is necessary for each space flight.
Space vendors have turned to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components to solve cost restrictions while maintaining radiation protection. COTS systems use established computer technologies in harsh space settings, providing a cost-effective way to promote innovation in areas including payloads, launch and landing systems, and future habitats.
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Payload systems have grown to include, among other things, communication, navigation, observation, human assistance, scientific research, and freight management. The issue is to compact and lightweight these dense payloads to decrease costs and optimize spacecraft real estate while also toughening them to resist the harsh environment of launch and in-orbit operations. Satellite technology is an important type of payload system that has become a driving force in the space industry. The lowering cost of satellite deployment, along with a growth in the number of applications for satellite data, has fueled greater effort in this sector.
As stated in Brookings, a mutually reinforcing relationship exists between the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and the space industry. Scientific progress and technological convergence are propelling space exploration forward, while space innovations are promoting the development of new technologies and uses. A wide range of technologies has contributed to lowering launch costs and improving the capabilities of small satellites, including blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing, materials science, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. These advances not only fuel exploration but also directly help society on Earth. Materials science and 3D printing have decreased launch costs dramatically and changed spaceship manufacture. Advanced materials like carbon fiber and composites have decreased rocket weight, resulting in significant fuel savings during launch.
Rocket engine production has been sped up thanks to 3D printing, with oxygen and kerosene engines now needing only 24 hours to produce. Future possibilities include 3D printing in space to use microgravity and manufacture fiber optic lines, tools, and construction materials in novel ways. Rockets that can be reused are also becoming a reality, making travels to lower Earth orbit more sustainable and accessible for individuals and businesses in various industries ranging from medicines to energy.
Small satellites have grown in popularity as launch prices have decreased. Compared to smaller, bigger satellites, constellations of tiny satellites are more cost-effective, faster to construct, and easier to troubleshoot. In recent years, small satellite constellations have become more popular because of advancements in 3D printing, materials science, computing power, data storage, camera technology, solar array efficiency, downsizing, and propulsion systems. Small satellites account for around 94 percent of all spacecraft launches, which benefit companies and nations of all sizes. New firms are using small satellites to establish massive broadband constellations.
Small satellite proliferation has also increased by remote sensors, allowing new enterprises to gather photographs and power devices on Earth. These satellite constellations create massive volumes of data, causing a surge in the need for data storage and processing. AI, ML and deep learning, is being used to translate data into meaningful insights for various commercial applications such as food supply monitoring, greenhouse gas tracking, and energy supply chain management.
