Small Satellite Value Chain Assessment, 2017

Small satellites have evolved from being mere technology demonstrators to providing low-cost operational services across the distributed industry segments. Hence, it becomes important to track the evolving small satellite value chain and the various aspects creating ripples in the value chain, having a cascading effect. Many small satellite constellation operators, amounting to more than 2,500 satellites in the low Earth orbit (LEO), have advanced in their development processes, growing to have the potential to disrupt the downstream services market by providing low-cost solutions across the industrial segments. With new operators entering the space industry with small satellite missions, the value chain dynamics will evolve to accommodate constellation satellite requirements. Multiple ongoing growth opportunities include high-volume subsystem demand, dedicated launch services for small satellites, capacity expansion of ground station services, and standard platforms for downstream services. The key benefit of small satellites is the creation of an upstream recurring demand for high-volume manufacturing and low-cost downstream services, resulting in a sustainable small satellite ecosystem evolution.

What makes this study unique?
An intensive study, comprising more than 300 companies, is carried out for the detailed segmentation and positioning of these companies, based on region, products, services, and value propositions. The stakeholders in the value chain, i.e., component manufacturers, subsystem manufacturers, satellite manufacturers, satellite operators, ground station operators, launch service providers, and downstream service providers, will benefit by understanding the industry trends, segmented competitive landscape, evolving technologies, new entrants value propositions, and the involvement of governments. The study also profiles key participants/technologies with the potential to revolutionize the space industry as a whole, such as serial production, single-manifest launch services, and the ‘uberization’ of ground stations.