Satellite constellations multiply on profit hopes, geopolitics
- by EURACTIV
- Mar 15, 2023
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IRIS²: EU launches a space-based secure connectivity programme
After the European Galileo satellites, used by more than 2 billion mobile devices worldwide and the Copernicus satellites for Earth observation, the network of IRIS² telecommunication satellites will be the EU's third major satellite programme.
In this event report, EURACTIV hears …
When it comes to the satellite constellation game, "people underestimated how sovereign interests would get involved," Henry said.
Sustainability in space
While around 120 satellites were launched in all of 2012, in just the first two months of this year, almost 380 were put into orbit.
The total number of LEO satellites should rise to about 24,500 over the next decade, with more than half of them for the three largest constellations, according to forecasts by Euroconsult.
Henry believes there is an open question over how the market will digest all this added capacity.
Mark Dankberg, president of satellite communications firm Viasat -- which operates in the much higher geostationary orbit -- -- said he would be interested in entering the LEO market, but doesn't want big players in the space industry to crowd out competitors.
"We're interested in LEO, the thing we're concerned about is leaving enough competition in the market," Dankberg said.
He also warned about the issue of sustainability -- with so many objects in orbit, risks increase of collisions, spreading debris, and frequencies becoming overloaded.
The largest player by far in LEO is Elon Musk's SpaceX, which has already launched nearly 3,600 satellites and in December received authorization to deploy 7,500 of its planned 30,000-satellite second generation constellation.
Ukraine gas pedal
Starlink's one million customers is still second place to the lesser-known Hughes, also a US-based operator but whose satellites, like Viasat, are much larger and fly in geostationary orbit.
🛰️ Starlink Satellite Internet Constellation 🛰️pic.twitter.com/KZLisbLrZD
Space and Astronomy
Oct 10, 2024
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