The defence market is growing after recent geopolitical developments around the world. As the main innovation drivers, start-ups and SMEs play an important role in the supply chains. With continuous competition for better technology, new opportunities for start-ups emerge, but overcoming the hurdles of the industry is a complicated endeavour.
Robots are changing the way we live and work on Earth. But they are also on a path into space, where they will push the boundaries of human reach both for manned and unmanned exploration missions.
Constellations of small satellites are increasing and so too is the need for dedicated launch services. Micro-launchers can serve this need, providing on-demand services to the desired orbit at the desired time, and/or target replacement of individual satellites.
5G is expected to revolutionise the way we live by spurring countless new applications. Space has an invaluable role to play in the 5G ecosystem and its IoT value proposition. It offers ubiquitous connectivity and enhanced capacity with the help of satellite communication, accelerated deployment of 5G networks with the help of state-of-the-art geospatial data, and high-accuracy positioning with the help of GNSS.
The SpaceTec Curve shows the current maturity of technologies relevant to the space industry with an estimation of the time needed to reach its full potential in the market.
Several of the technologies listed have been touted as game changers, however the market readiness for several technologies remains suspect.
The life cycles of technological innovations can be described using an ‘S-curve’ which maps the financial return of the technology over time. In the early stages, the technology is immature and requires investment to develop. Over time there is a positive return as the technology is adopted, before an eventual decline as the technology reaches its limits and becomes replaced by new technologies.
