How Small GEO Satellites Are Sparking a Space Revolution

By Rolla Hassan, Ph.D

Introduction

Small geostationary (GEO) satellites are revolutionizing the satellite communications industry. These compact spacecraft, typically weighing less than 1,000 kg, offer a more cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional large GEO satellites.

Key advantages of small GEO satellites include:

1. Lower cost: Reduced size means lower manufacturing and launch expenses.
2. Faster deployment: Shorter production times allow for quicker market entry.
3. Increased flexibility: Operators can launch multiple specialized satellites instead of one large multi-purpose craft.
4. Improved resilience: A constellation of small satellites provides redundancy and reduces the impact of potential failures.

Applications for small GEO satellites are diverse, ranging from broadband internet and mobile communications to weather monitoring and Earth observation. They are beautiful for developing countries and smaller operators looking to establish space-based communications infrastructure.

This graph shows the projected percentage distribution of satellite orders between small satellites (≤1000kg) and big satellites from 2022 to 2032.

· Trend towards small satellites: There’s a general increasing trend in the proportion of small satellite orders over the years, suggesting a growing preference for smaller satellites. 

· Peak in 2027: The percentage of small satellite orders reaches its highest point in 2027 at about 47%, nearly equal to big satellites. 

· Fluctuations: After 2027, there’s some fluctuation in the distribution, with small satellite percentages decreasing slightly before rising again. 

· Long-term shift: In 2022, small satellites account for about 23% of orders, while by 2032, they’re projected to make up about 30% – indicating a significant shift in the industry over a decade. 

· Big satellites remain dominant: Despite the growth in small satellite orders, big satellites continue to make up most orders throughout the entire period.

The main players in the small GEO

1. Lockheed Martin:
   • Initially invested $100 million to expand small satellite manufacturing.
   • Biggest client for Terran Orbital’s satellites under sizeable contracts to the US government.
   • Likely to expand into small GEO satellites with Terran Orbital’s new 300kg platform.

1. Terran Orbital:
   • Unveiled a new 300kg platform for small GEO satellites in March 2024.
   • Lockheed Martin’s biggest client for satellites.

1. OHB:
   • Developed a small GEO platform with the European Space Agency (ESA).
   • Offers shorter integration times, lower costs, and simpler systems compared to other manufacturers.

1. Astranis:
   • Claims an order-to-launch period of 18-to-24 months.
   • Plans to launch four satellites in 2024.
   • Focuses on leasing satellite capacity from the satellites it builds and owns.

1. Swissto12:
   • Expanded facilities to meet demand for its RF products and HummingSat GEO platform.
   • Orders from Intelsat and Viasat for its GEO platform.

As technology advances, small GEO satellites are expected to play an increasingly important role in global communications, potentially reshaping the satellite industry landscape in the coming years.

Data sources: 

https://www.ohb.de/en/space-systems/satellites

https://www.esa.int/Applications/Connectivity_and_Secure_Communications/Small_Geostationary_Satellite_SGEO

https://www.dlr.de/en/ar/topics-missions/communications-navigation/satellite-communications/smallgeo

https://www.analysysmason.com/research/content/articles/small-geo-growth-nsi041/