How do Industry Convergence, Transformative Mega Trends, and Internal Challenges Affect Implementation?
Space traffic management (STM) oversees the organization, regulation, and processes used to achieve safe, secure, and sustainable space operations. At present, about 8,000 operational satellites and more than 26,000 pieces of debris are in orbit. Space is becoming crowded, and the risk of collision has increased significantly.
These challenges drive the need for an efficient and effective STM system, in addition to the growing number of satellites and launches, collision risks, overcrowded orbits, and space debris. The increasing need for safe space activities, national security, sustainability, and economic benefits are the main drivers supporting STM implementation and market growth. As a growing number of nations enter the space industry, regulatory entities aim to boost space operations' transparency, including the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the European Commission, and other federal organizations.
In response to the demand for more effective and efficient space operations, several companies, including Lockheed Martin and Airbus, are developing proprietary innovative solutions to tackle space traffic issues. The use of CubeSats and reusable and modular launch vehicles has reduced the costs associated with launches and decreased their environmental impact. Other technologies, such as space debris mitigation, situational awareness, collision avoidance, and in-space services, are either in use or under development to support STM system goals.
This Frost & Sullivan study provides an overview of the current STM market; emphasizes key challenges; discusses existing guidelines and regulations as well as their deficiencies; evaluates STM technologies; and considers possible improvements. The study also analyzes drivers and restraints and potential growth opportunities for STM systems.
Strategic Imperatives
Why is it Increasingly Difficult to Grow?
The Strategic Imperative 8™
The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the Space Traffic Management Industry
Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine™
Growth Opportunity Analysis
Scope of Analysis
Growth Drivers
Growth Restraints
Current Regulations
Regulations and Guidelines
Gaps in Regulations and Guidelines
Developing a Circular Space Economy
Recommended Improvements
Recommended Government Actions
STM System Overview
STM Overview
Analysis of STM Systems
STM System Development
Growth Metrics
Participant Revenue
Top Participants’ Revenue Analysis
Satellite and Launch Comparison
Satellite and Launch Comparison Analysis
Orbital Congestion
Emerging Technologies
Additive Manufacturing
Advantages of Additive Manufacturing
In-space Recycling
Advantages of In-space Recycling
Space Debris Removal
Advantages of Space Debris Removal
Mass Reuse
Advantages of Mass Reuse
Space Mining, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), and Orbital Management
Advantages of Space Mining
Advantages of SSA
Advantages of Orbital Management
Space Launch Operations
Companies Supporting STM Systems
Analytical Graphics Inc. (AGI)
LeoLabs—Vertex
LeoLabs—Radar
ExoAnalytic Solutions
Astroscale
Astroscale—ADRAS-J
Astroscale—LEX
SpaceFlight Industries
The Aerospace Corporation
The Aerospace Corporation—ADEPT
Hedron (Analytical Space)
ClearSpace
D-Orbit
Airbus Space & Defense
Lockheed Martin
JAXA
Made in Space
Relativity Space
Tethers Unlimited—SpiderFab
Tethers Unlimited—Refabricator
Tethers Unlimited—H2EXT
Orbex
ORBITEC
Airbus
Conclusion
Growth Opportunity Universe
Growth Opportunity 1: Space Collision Avoidance Systems