Smallsat Industry Faces Challenges to Growth

While the smallsat industry continues to grow, experts warn that several blind spots could slow its growth in the near future.

A Feb. 4 report by Bryce Space and Technology found that 389 smallsats — defined as those weighing no more than 600 kilograms — launched in 2019, an increase of nearly 19% over 2018. By comparison, only 52 smallsats launched in 2012.

That growth will likely accelerate this year thanks to satellite megaconstellations like OneWeb and SpaceX’s Starlink. “This is on track to be a much bigger year,” said Janice Starzyk, vice president of commercial space at Bryce, during a panel discussion at the Smallsat Symposium here Feb. 4. She noted that SpaceX has already launched 120 Starlink satellites this year, while OneWeb’s first launch of 34 satellites is scheduled for Feb. 6.

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