Most people still perceive space as something distant and inaccessible, not even suspecting that they are using space technologies on a daily basis. Advanced artificial satellites that orbit our Earth have long ago become an inseparable part of most global industries. For instance, agriculture is one of the biggest spheres utilizing satellite monitoring for smart field management. Satellites transmit signals to our TV screen when we watch our favorite shows, establish a link between us and our bank when we transfer money online and provide us with weather forecasts when we plan our activities. For more details on how satellites cater to different industries, visit this website.

As the space industry keeps developing and seeking new possibilities, satellites are constantly evolving subsequently. So, what are the current top trends in the satellite world?

Top Satellite Trends

In-Orbit Services

The idea of ​​servicing spacecraft in orbit has been in the air for a long time. Considering the fact that the active lifespan of modern communication satellites can reach a couple of decades and is limited primarily by the availability of fuel on board, and not by the reliability of equipment, the issue of delivering this very fuel into orbit has become more relevant than ever. According to analysts’ forecasts, the demand for new services in the space market will grow steadily. And the expanding range of orbital services will include not only maintenance and refueling of satellites but also tracking and removing space debris from near-earth orbit.

Small Satellites

You could put a modern small satellite in your pocket, and it would solve the same problems as its much larger analog. Small spacecraft can be useful for farmers, ecologists, biologists, and even insurance companies. Besides, with the help of small satellites, we could equip the whole world with cheap Internet. The advantages of such small spacecraft are their low cost, ease of assembly, and the ability to launch multiple of those at once to perform the same task. If one fails, the mission will not stop, which will increase the chances of its positive outcome.

Artificial Intelligence

Satellite imagery of our planet alone offers an infinite number of possibilities when applying artificial intelligence to its analysis. Without AI algorithms, people had to process data on their own, which made the information less relevant. The power of machine learning algorithms lies in the ability to study millions of images in a matter of moments, registering any changes on the fly,

In addition, unlike humans, artificial intelligence does not need rest and is also not prone to errors associated with loss of concentration, which is especially important when tracking natural disasters.

Satellite IoT

IoT implies the interconnection of various devices into a network. The number of devices is constantly growing, which forces an increase in the number of communication channels. Space satellites help solve this problem. Thanks to their work, the Internet of Things becomes independent of terrestrial and mobile networks. Companies in different parts of the world are already developing and implementing projects that involve using satellites to connect to the Internet of Things.