A big future for compact orbiters
Small satellites are considered to be one of the main drivers of the dynamic future space market. According to studies, more than 15,000 satellites are expected to be launched between 2021 and 2030. Approximately 90 percent of these will be small satellites – that is, satellites weighing less than 500 kilograms. As spaceflight is becoming increasingly commercial, it is also of growing importance for the German economy. Small satellites, which can be launched with small, modern launchers (microlaunchers), play a central role in what is referred to as the ‘New Space’ market. Since these small satellites can be produced in larger numbers and therefore more economically and faster than conventional satellites, they open up completely new possibilities for scientific research and commercial services.
The areas of application for small satellites include, for example, in the satellite communications segment, broadband connections from space via mega constellations, interception-proof and failure-proof data transmission, as well as the digital networking of a wide variety of devices (Internet of Things). In Earth observation, small satellites play an important role for a wide range of commercial, scientific and governmental applications. Here, for example, they can provide data and images for climate monitoring or disaster management. Small satellites are also very suitable for testing new technologies in space because they are standardised and available in different sizes and can therefore be provided quickly and in line with demand.
As part of the microlauncher competition, the development of new, commercial launch vehicles for small payloads is being supported in Germany. The German Space Agency at DLR will be offering no-cost flight opportunities on a total of four demonstration flights to be carried out by these launchers. The small satellites that will take advantage of these opportunities will be selected by means of a Europe-wide competition.
Link:
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Markus Wagener · Email Markus.Wagener@dlr.de
Free fly-along opportunities for small satellites as part of the German Space Agency at DLR’s microlauncher competition
Credit: German Space Agency at DLR