The challenge for newspace companies is to get their own launching capabilities that disrupt in terms of price level, production capacity as well as reliability. At Airborne, we strongly feel that the solution doesn’t lie in ramping up classical series production. Instead, the answer is smart production technology that can compete. How? By automating and digitalising your manufacturing process.
Funding remains one of the biggest challenges for the small satellite market. Investors are cautious due to high investment risks and products lifecycles. When it comes to government funding, a lot of money goes to the development of large rockets from the institutional market (ESA). The challenge is to come up with a solution that disrupts in price and production speed/volume.
If obtaining enough venture capital is a big challenge, you could think about joint ventures. In Europe a lot of great knowledge is spread over several companies and countries. At Airborne, we can complement your expertise with our own knowledge in composites and automation.
Another challenge in the rocket market are export regulations. Cross-border business can be difficult due to potential ‘dual use’: rockets can be deployed either peacefully or destructively. Countries want to protect their rocket technology, but also their benchmarks. Initiatives from the US and China already showcase that current benchmarks for smallsat production is tight. Manufacturers must build technological outstanding solutions at extreme low price levels in order to be competitive.
Since 2000 commercial aerospace companies have been looking for ways to produce cheap and market-friendly products at a fast speed. Multiple sectors are interested in obtaining more precise and frequent data. For all needed services to be accommodated, more satellites need to be in orbit. Creating market opportunities to help meet ramp up demands for launching solutions.
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