As launch
costs continue to fall, thousands of satellites will be built over the next
decade to deliver the next generation of space-based applications. NewSpace
companies are planning large constellations to provide global, low-latency
internet coverage, 5G comms, Earth-Observation analytics and satellite-based
IoT for asset management. Manufacturers of military spacecraft are developing
small satellites to deliver more affordable defence-related services, while
universities and research institutes now routinely offer students the ability
to design and launch CubeSats. Furthermore, developing countries are seeking
low-cost access to space for national capacity building, the desire to become
self-sufficient for data collection and to address local societal needs such as
environmental monitoring, climate change, disaster management, deforestation,
geospatial imaging to locate natural resources such as oil and gas, and
understanding agriculture yields for food sustainability.