In the space market, there is an increasing demand for small satellites: in the next decade many thousands of these smallsats must find their way into Earth orbit. But without access to launch, how can newspace companies get their smallsats to space and meet demand?

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.

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Create lightweight, strong and capable microlaunchers by deploying advanced composites

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Automate your composites production to disrupt in price, production speed and volume

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Digitalise your fully automated production line with interconnected machines and digital devices 

Newspace Market Trends & Opportunities Report

Highlights:

• Latest trends in the commercial smallsat market
• Current challenges & bottlenecks
• Getting the funds to launch
• Meeting demand: innovative solutions  
• How to get started

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“In the space market we see an evolution towards more small satellites. The market forecast shows that in the coming 5 to 10 years many thousands of small satellites will be build and need to be launched. That is demanding a new solution for launching.”

– Sandor Woldendorp, Director Airborne Aerospace

Get inspired

Getting the funds to launch

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.

Cross-border cooperation

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.

High demand for smallsats

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.